Detroit, MI → A 33-year-old West Bloomfield resident will spend more than three years behind bars after admitting he helped run a multi-state unemployment insurance fraud scheme that brought in more than $626,000.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan, Arron Howard was sentenced Wednesday to 41 months in federal prison — just over 3 years — after pleading guilty to wire fraud.
Federal prosecutors said Howard fraudulently obtained unemployment benefits for dozens of third-party claimants in Arizona, California, and Michigan. He admitted he kept a portion of the stolen funds for himself.
Court records show the scheme generated more than $626,000 in fraudulent benefits. As part of his sentence, Howard was ordered to pay $626,960.88 in restitution.
The sentence was handed down by U.S. District Judge Mark A. Goldsmith.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency.
Federal authorities continue to pursue pandemic-era fraud cases across Michigan and beyond, warning that those who exploited emergency relief programs will be held accountable.
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- NMD Staff
Staff@NewMediaDetroit.com