Fraudster Who Submitted Over $365,000 in Fake COVID Unemployment Benefits Applications Pleads Guilty
Summary
A press release of the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina dated Friday, December 19, 2025, announcing that Yolanda Baker, 51, a Pitt County woman, pleaded guilty to defrauding the Division of Employment Security of the North Carolina Department of Commerce through false pandemic unemployment benefits applications intended for more than $365,000. According to court documents cited in the release, from in or about May 2020 to June 2021 she submitted sixty-five fraudulent applications and the funds were deposited into accounts she controlled. The release states that she faces up to ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine and will be ordered to repay a forfeiture money judgment of $368,022.00. It quotes U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle.
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Full text
Press Release Fraudster Who Submitted Over $365,000 in Fake COVID Unemployment Benefits Applications Pleads Guilty Friday, December 19, 2025 For Immediate Release U.S. Attorney's Office, Eastern District of North Carolina Katie Holcomb Vollmer, Public Affairs Officer USANCE.PublicInfoOfficer@usdoj.gov NCDOC WILMINGTON, N.C. – A Pitt County woman pleaded guilty to defrauding the North Carolina Department of Commerce, Division of Employment Security (NCDES) by submitting false pandemic unemployment benefits (UI) applications intended for more than $365,000 in federal benefits. Yolanda Baker, age 51, faces up to ten years in prison, and a $250,000 fine when a federal judge sentences her later this year. She will also be ordered to repay a forfeiture money judgment of $368,022.00. “This kind of fraud steals resources from North Carolinian citizens who needed real help during a national emergency,” said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle. “Our office will continue holding accountable those who used the pandemic as an opportunity for personal gain. We will protect taxpayer dollars and ensure that criminals who exploit public programs face serious consequences.” According to court documents and other information presented in court, from in or about May 2020 to June 2021, Baker carried out a scheme to defraud NCDES UI program by submitting sixty-five fraudulent UI applications. She falsely represented the employment status of the listed applicants and provided fraudulent supporting documents. After the applications were approved, the funds were deposited into accounts Baker controlled. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ethan Ontjes is prosecuting the case, and the United States Department of Labor Office of the Inspector General is investigating the case. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:25-CR-31-M. Updated December 19, 2025 Topic Coronavirus Component USAO - North Carolina, Eastern Related Content Press Release Clayton Man with Gun Sentenced to Over Five Years in Prison for COVID-19 Fraud WILMINGTON, N.C. – Darnell William King, age 42, was sentenced to 70 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release following his plea in May to conspiracy to... June 27, 2025 Press Release Raleigh Basketball Scout and Life Coach Sentenced to Prison for Obtaining Nearly $300,000 in Fraudulent COVID-19 Relief Loans in Nationwide Scheme RALEIGH, N.C. – Earl Lamont Taylor, 52, was sentenced to six years in prison Monday and will be ordered to pay over half a million dollars in restitution to the... June 23, 2025 Press Release Raleigh Basketball Scout and Life Coach Convicted for Obtaining Nearly $300,000 in Fraudulent COVID-19 Relief Loans in Nationwide Scheme RALEIGH, N.C. – Following four days of testimony before a federal jury, a Raleigh man and business owner pled guilty to a Bank Fraud and Wire Fraud, that netted the... November 26, 2024
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