DETROIT — A Detroit man has admitted his role in a large-scale pandemic unemployment fraud and identity theft operation that spanned much of the country.
Federal prosecutors announced that Nicholas Overton, 32, pleaded guilty in federal court to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Overton entered his plea before Denise Page Hood, admitting he submitted or caused the submission of approximately 90 fraudulent unemployment insurance claims across 20 states and U.S. territories, including Michigan, California, New York, and Arizona.
How the Scheme Worked
According to court records, Overton used stolen personal identifying information (PII) belonging to multiple victims who had no knowledge their identities were being used. Those victims never authorized unemployment claims in their names.
Prosecutors say the scheme resulted in more than $500,000 in fraudulent pandemic unemployment payments, exploiting emergency programs intended to help workers during COVID-19 shutdowns.
Federal Response
U.S. Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr. said identity theft causes real harm to real people and undermines public trust in government assistance programs.
The investigation was led by the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General, whose Great Lakes Region leadership said the case highlights continued enforcement against pandemic-era fraud.
Sentencing Ahead
Overton is scheduled to be sentenced on May 7, 2026. He faces:
- Up to 20 years in federal prison for wire fraud
- A mandatory consecutive 2-year sentence for aggravated identity theft
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