Southland Shorts
— Two dozen Los Angeles County employees are facing felony grand theft for fraudulently claiming unemployment benefits while allegedly working full-time between 2020 and 2023. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office says the fraud occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic and amounts to $741,518.
“My office will continue relentlessly rooting out fraud and prosecuting government employees who steal from the public they serve,” Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said in a news release. “While the vast majority of Los Angeles County employees ethically fulfill their duties and are dedicated to public service, there are some who exploit the system and betray the public’s trust. My message to fraudsters is unequivocal: If you steal from taxpayers, you will be prosecuted.”
Los Angeles County reportedly reimbursed the state for the alleged fraudulent benefits…