The FBI is indicting 12 people for a PUA fraud scheme that resulted in the theft of $ 419,580

The Chief of the Attorney of the United States, Stephen Muldrow, reported this this morning a federal grand jury indicted 12 people for fraud at Pandemic Unemployment Benefit Program (PUA) that resulted in the illegal theft of $ 419,580.

This is the first time the federal prosecutor’s office has accused the residents of Puerto Rico of fraud against the PUA. However, Muldrow clarified that the scheme is also registered in other states of the United States.

According to the prosecutor, nine of those 12 people were arrested this morning while awaiting the arrest of other people. Two of them are already in court for separate cases.

The investigation, Muldrow said, into this illegal theft of money began after several confidential statements. The scheme consisted of applying for federal aid with false information about the person’s work and social security.

At the same time, the head of the federal prosecutor’s office made it clear that they are continuing to investigate other fraud systems and asked the people who may have committed this crime to cooperate and surrender to the authorities as soon as possible.

“Contact law enforcement and give your information to the people who are guilty of that plan and we haven’t charged them yet. The sooner you talk, the less the consequences will be for you and your family. I urge you not to take any chances or commit fraud as it will be expensive for you. There is too much federal aid, don’t take advantage “Muldrow said.

Relive the press conference here:

According to the indictment, the defendants are Millisen Martínez-Medina, who obtained $ 54,870 through fraud against the PUA; her common law partner, Luis Cruz-Reyes, made $ 64,992. Meanwhile, Jonathan Rivera Gutiérrez was paid $ 44,148; Jennifer Hernández Romero, $ 36,222; Mary Benítez Ortiz, $ 32,628; Daniel Colón Díaz, $ 68,250; Gabriel Robles Guzmán $ 33,030; Denise Sánchez Ortiz, $ 23,172, and Luis Flores Díaz, $ 20,910.

In the case of Millisen Martínez Medina, she is facing two charges of aggravated identity theft for using someone’s Social Security without their consent, and of postal fraud.

In another indictment, José Daniel Le Hardy Figueroa, a postal worker, and Christoffer Pérez-Vélez were charged with conspiracy to commit postal fraud, postal fraud and theft of federal money for $ 11,388.

According to the federal investigation, Le Hardy Figueroa lied in the PUA filing with the Labor Department by saying that he had become unemployed because of his job as a hairdresser, when the reality is that he was an employee of the United States Postal Service (USPS, in the English).

Meanwhile, another indictment finds that Felix Cruz Santana fraudulently obtained $ 29,970 and will be charged with postal fraud, federal money theft and theft of a Social Security number.

If found guilty The defendants face 20 years in prison for postal fraud, 10 years for theft of federal government money and 5 years for social security abuse. In addition, they can be fined up to $ 250,000 and three years if released under supervision.

The spokeswoman for Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI, in English), Limary Cruz Rubio, previously told this media the arrest warrants have been separated and that nine people were arrested this morning.

The new day knew that The arrests took place in Humacao, Comerío and Aguas Buenas, but all agencies were from different parts of the island, as the information used by those who committed the alleged fraud to receive the checks had different addresses.

Secretary of the Department of Labor and Human Resources, Carlos Rivera Santiago, for his part, emphasized that the arrests are the result of the agency’s collaboration with federal authorities and confirmed that they are increasingly fraudulent towards the PUA.

A first group of arrests is taking place today. Investigations continue and, unfortunately, referrals continue. As stated by the Treasury Secretary, it is unfortunate to see a large number of claims against the PUA that fell through or were fraudulent. Those people with knowledge will notify the relevant authorities, ”he said.

The Federal Treasury Department, the Department of Labor and Human Resources, the United States Postal Service and the Office of the Inspector General in Puerto Rico participated in the investigation of the case.

Federal authorities urged anyone who has been a victim of or knows anyone who has committed PUA fraud to communicate confidentially and report the facts.

To report any fraud to the PUA, please contact 1-866-720-5721.