Sentinel staff report–
A Citrus Heights couple has been indicted on mail fraud and identity theft charges relating to false unemployment claims during the pandemic, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
In a Jan. 18, 2024, news release, the DOJ said Deshawn Oshaea Campbell, 36, and Rochelle Pasley, 33, allegedly filed fraudulent claims with the California Employment Development Department (EDD) from June to December of 2020. The claims, falsely citing COVID-19 unemployment to obtain Pandemic Unemployment Assistance benefits under the CARES Act, resulted in over $1 million being paid out by the EDD.
Campbell and Pasley allegedly exploited addresses of friends and family to receive over 50 EDD-approved debit cards, which they used for personal ATM withdrawals and purchases, the DOJ said. The scheme focused on pandemic relief funds, which authorities said significantly impacted the unemployment insurance system during “a critical time of need.”
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Department of Labor, and the EDD led the investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica Delaney and Justin Lee.
The couple face up to 20 years in prison and $250,000 fines per fraud count if convicted. Pasley could additionally receive a two-year term for aggravated identity theft.
Editor’s note: This article was edited by humans, but written with assistance from AI.
