Feds: Woman facing charges for alleged unemployment insurance fraud
A state contractor from Oakland County is facing federal charges for an alleged fraud scheme involving unemployment insurance benefits.
Autumn Mims, 28, of Birmingham, was named in a criminal complaint announced July 7 for her alleged role in the scheme which investigators say defrauded the State of Michigan and the federal government of funds earmarked for unemployment assistance.
She’s charged with wire fraud, wire fraud conspiracy and aggravated identity theft for the alleged scheme that began last August.
According to the complaint, Mims was a contract employee working as an unemployment insurance examiner for Michigan when she allegedly began “using her insider access to fraudulently process claims in the names of third parties without their knowledge or authorization.”
The scheme allegedly had Mims opening unauthorized bank accounts in the names of third pirates and having claim payments issued to them. Mims then allegedly obtained a portion of the fraudulent claims.
The complaint further states that law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Mims’ home and reportedly uncovered “significant evidence of fraud,” including receipts for items bought with the stolen funds and personal information from third parties.
It’s also alleged that Mims fraudulently obtained unemployment insurance benefits for herself while working with the MUIA, claiming she was unemployed.
“These charges show our continued commitment to prosecuting those who attempt to use the Covid-19 crisis to steal taxpayer funds and fraudulently enrich themselves,” Acting United States Attorney Saima Mohsin stated in a news release.
Added Timothy Waters, special agent-in-charge of the FBI’s Detroit division: “Autumn Mims was hired as a Michigan Unemployment Insurance examiner to protect taxpayer money. Instead, she is charged with misusing her position to steal funds intended for Michiganders in need. The FBI will continue to aggressively pursue this type of unemployment fraud and work with our law enforcement partners to bring to justice those who defraud the state and federal government.”
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Yahkind. The investigation is being conducted jointly by the Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Unemployment Insurance Agency, Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity.
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