A 25-year-old man from Indianapolis is facing four counts of theft, all Level 6 felonies following a more than two-year long investigation by the Indiana State Police Special Investigation Section, Organized Crime and Corruption Unit.
According to Sergeant Jeff Coffey, a man by the name of Covenant Ben was identified as being the recipient of unemployment benefits in the form of benefit debit cards from the State of Nevada. Ben conducted numerous transactions, which occurred on or about December 11, 2020 through February 10, 2021, at a Bank of America ATM located at 4875 W. 56th Street in Indianapolis. These transactions were confirmed by Bank of America records, ATM video surveillance footage and additional assistance from the FBI.
Additionally, the FBI helped to confirm that Covenant Ben had utilized the personal identifying information (PII) of four unsuspecting men without their knowledge or consent to apply for the unemployment benefits through the State of Nevada.
The total number of unemployment benefit cards mailed to Covenant Ben’s residence as a result of this alleged criminal activity totaled $42,660.00. “This case showcases the collaborative work between agencies in multiple states working toward the same goal…to hold accountable those who use other people’s information for their own personal and financial gain”, said Coffey.
Upon its completion, this case was forwarded to the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office who levied the following charges: Four (4) counts of Theft, all Level 6 felonies.
Ben subsequently turned himself in to the Marion County Jail and has since been released on bond. Coffey was assisted by the FBI, the Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation Keeper of Record and the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office.
If you believe you are the victim of unemployment fraud, visit this link to start the reporting process Report Unemployment Fraud
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.