Three Individuals Arraigned for Alleged Pandemic Unemployment Fraud
Summary
Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell announced on 10/18/2023 that three individuals from Plymouth were arraigned in Suffolk Superior Court on October 16, 2023 for allegedly collecting over $97,000 in pandemic unemployment assistance. Aaron Fernandes, 42, faces unemployment fraud, larceny over $1200, identity fraud and conspiracy counts; Katherine Quigley, 43, faces four counts each of unemployment fraud and larceny over $1200, three of identity fraud and one of conspiracy; and Rebecca Holmes, 52, faces one count of conspiracy to commit larceny. The case came from a joint investigation with the Office of the Inspector General that began with a complaint to its fraud hotline. Fernandes was held on $2,500 cash bail, while Quigley and Holmes were placed on probation; all three must have no contact with witnesses or victims.
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- This page, Three Individuals Arraigned for Alleged Pandemic Unemployment Fraud, is offered by - Office of the Attorney General - Office of the Inspector General Press Release Press Release Three Individuals Arraigned for Alleged Pandemic Unemployment Fraud Defendants are alleged to have fraudulently collected nearly $100,000 in pandemic unemployment assistance. For immediate release: 10/18/2023 - Office of the Inspector General - Office of the Attorney General Media Contact Sabrina Zafar , Deputy Press Secretary Phone Call Sabrina Zafar , Deputy Press Secretary at (617) 727-2543 Online Email Sabrina Zafar , Deputy Press Secretary at Sabrina.Zafar2@mass.gov Boston, MA — Three Plymouth individuals have been arraigned in Suffolk Superior Court for allegedly collecting over $97,000 in pandemic unemployment assistance (PUA), Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell announced today. The arraignments follow a joint investigation by the AG’s Office and the Office of the Inspector General (OIG), which stemmed from a complaint to the OIG’s fraud hotline. “We will continue to take seriously and investigate any and all allegations regarding the exploitation of these critical public funds,” said AG Campbell , “I thank the Inspector General and his team as well as the AGO staff for their work on this matter.” “These arraignments represent our commitment to investigate reports of fraudulent use of these critical public resources,” Inspector General Jeffrey S. Shapiro said . “I thank the Attorney General’s Office as well as the OIG investigative team for their diligent efforts.” The following three individuals were arraigned in Suffolk Superior Court on October 16, 2023, on the following charges: Aaron Fernandes, 42, of Plymouth - Unemployment Fraud (Two counts) - Larceny over $1200 (Three counts) - Identity Fraud (One count) - Conspiracy to Commit Larceny (One count) Katherine Quigley, 43, of Plymouth - Unemployment Fraud (Four counts) - Larceny over $1200 (Four counts) - Identity Fraud (Three counts) - Conspiracy to Commit Larceny (One count) Rebecca Holmes, 52, of Plymouth - Conspiracy to Commit Larceny (One count) As a result of the arraignments, all three defendants are ordered to stay away and have no contact with involved witnesses or victims. While Fernandes has been held on a $2,500 cash bail, both Quigley and Holmes have been placed on probation including no contact with witnesses and victims, amongst other conditions. This matter is being handled by Division Chief Geoffrey Wood, Senior Investigator Lashauna Craig, both of the AG’s Insurance and Unemployment Fraud Division, and Office of the Inspector General’s Audit, Oversight and Investigations Division. ### Media Contact Phone Call Sabrina Zafar , Deputy Press Secretary at (617) 727-2543 Online Email Sabrina Zafar , Deputy Press Secretary at Sabrina.Zafar2@mass.gov Phone Call Carrie Kimball, Communications Officer at 617-722-8894 Online Email Carrie Kimball, Communications Officer at carrie.c.kimball@mass.gov - Office of the Inspector General The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) is an independent agency that prevents and detects fraud, waste and abuse of public funds and public property and promotes transparency and efficiency in government. We serve the residents of Massachusetts, state and local governments, and those who work with the government. - Office of the Attorney General The Attorney General is the chief lawyer and law enforcement officer of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Help Us Improve Mass.gov with your feedback Thank you for your website feedback! We will use this information to improve this page. If you would like to continue helping us improve Mass.gov, join our user panel to test new features for the site.
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