AG Miyares’ Office Issues Three More Indictments on Unemployment Fraud

Virginia Attorney General intensifies crackdown on abuse of unemployment compensation system.

Virginia’s commitment to curbing unemployment fraud has resulted in three fresh indictments, as Attorney General Jason Miyares announced. The latest individuals facing charges further highlight the state’s ongoing efforts to ensure the authenticity and reliability of the unemployment compensation system.

Among those indicted are:

• Donald Porter Sr. from Accomack County was charged with one count of felony to obtain money through false pretense.
• Brooks Pruitt, also from Accomack County, with a similar charge as Porter.
• Quaisha Reaves, from Richmond City, stands accused not only of the felony to gain money falsely but also of a misdemeanor related to making false statements to acquire benefits.

Underlining the significance of these indictments, Attorney General Miyares stated, “The Office of the Attorney General’s Unemployment Compensation Fraud Unit is working persistently to address and rectify the misdemeanors of those manipulating our unemployment system. It’s crucial to tackle fraud head-on to safeguard the credibility of the unemployment system.”

This drive against fraud isn’t an isolated one. The Virginia Marine Police were instrumental in probing the cases from Accomack, while the case from Richmond was meticulously examined by the Virginia Office of the State Inspector General.

This collaboration was born last March when the Virginia Employment Commission sought Attorney General Miyares’s assistance in prosecuting deceitful unemployment compensation claims. Since then, Miyares’ office has been at the forefront of this initiative. The latest indictments mark the sixth cycle of such announcements, reflecting the relentless pursuit of ensuring accountability and transparency.

While the specifics of the cases remain confidential due to their ongoing nature, the message is clear: Virginia is intensifying its vigilance and will not tolerate attempts to defraud its unemployment system. As the state pushes forward, it’s evident that collaboration, stringent checks, and unwavering commitment remain vital in upholding the integrity of its unemployment compensation system.