Virginia Attorney General Announces Conviction in Unemployment Fraud Case

In a significant development for justice in Virginia, Attorney General Jason Miyares has reported a new victory in the fight against unemployment fraud. Under Miyares’s direction, the Unemployment Compensation Fraud Unit has successfully secured a conviction against Ajarhi Roberts of Winchester, marking another achievement in the state’s efforts to combat fraud.

                                                                  Ajarhi Roberts

Roberts was tried and convicted in the Winchester City Circuit Court for the felony offense of obtaining money by false pretense, a violation outlined in Virginia’s legal code. This conviction highlights the state’s stringent stance against fraudulent activities, especially those exploiting financial assistance programs designed to aid Virginians in need.

The sentencing for Roberts was severe, reflecting the seriousness with which Virginia treats such crimes. Roberts has been sentenced to five years in prison, with the majority of the sentence suspended, leaving four months to be served. Additionally, the court-mandated supervised probation for Roberts and ordered restitution. Roberts is now obliged to pay $100,000 in restitution to the Virginia Employment Commission, compensating for the fraudulent claims made.

This case was brought to light through the collaborative efforts of the Virginia State Police, the U.S. Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General, and the United States Postal Service – Office of Inspector General. Their joint investigation underscores Virginia’s comprehensive approach to address and deter unemployment fraud.

Attorney General Miyares expressed his views on the matter: “Unemployment fraud is a cruel way of taking advantage of systems designed to help Virginians down on their luck. My Unemployment Compensation Fraud Unit is dedicated to bringing these cases to justice.” This conviction is part of a broader effort initiated in March 2022 when the Virginia Employment Commission enlisted Attorney General Miyares’s assistance in prosecuting fraudulent claims for unemployment compensation.

This conviction serves as a stern reminder of the consequences awaiting those who seek to exploit the unemployment benefits system. It also reinforces the dedication of Virginia’s legal and investigative bodies to uphold the integrity of systems meant to support individuals facing economic hardships. Through continued vigilance and collaborative efforts, Virginia aims to maintain a fair and just process for the distribution of unemployment benefits, ensuring that aid reaches those who truly need it.