PHOENIX – Three Arizonans were sentenced for fraudulently obtaining federal unemployment benefits using inmates’ identities under the CARES Act, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced Thursday.
The individuals — Likishe Jhanell Kelly, 43, of Phoenix; Antoinette Coleman, 36, of Glendale; and Christine Boston, 52, of Mesa — admitted to facilitating false claims for pandemic unemployment benefits using the identities of imprisoned individuals.
“During the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic, Congress expanded eligibility for employees to receive unemployment benefits and made it easier to submit an application,” said U.S. Attorney Gary Restaino.
“Sadly, some Arizonans took advantage of the emergency and defrauded our state. The sentences and restitution orders imposed in this case send an important deterrent message to those who seek gains based on others’ misfortune.”
Kelly was sentenced last week by U.S. District Judge Susan M. Brnovich to 36 months in prison and ordered to pay $375,094 in restitution to the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES). Kelly pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud on Nov. 21, 2023.