Unemployment fraud

A dozen Alabamians pleaded guilty in the past few months to defrauding the state's unemployment insurance benefits program and must pay restitution totaling $42,277. They were charged with violating the Alabama Unemployment Compensation Law by making false statements in claims for benefits, according to a news release.  The department's Benefit Payment Control Section investigated the cases. All defendants must repay the entire amount they received through false claims. All were sentenced to jail time, with most of their sentences suspended pending restitution payment and good behavior.  Among those who pleaded guilty and were sentenced in September, October and November were

    Jamarious L. Carter, of Anniston, unlawfully received $2,140 in benefits

  Courtney T. Wilson, of Sylacauga, unlawfully received $7,338 in benefits

Suspected unemployment compensation fraud can be reported to the Alabama Department of Labor by calling 1-800-392-8019.