Three Arizonans Sentenced for Fraudulent Unemployment Claims Using Inmates

Three Arizona residents have been sentenced for filing fraudulent unemployment claims using the identities of prison inmates.Photo byErik McleanonUnsplash

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.

Coleman was also sentenced last week by Judge Brnovich to five years of probation and ordered to pay $19,678 in restitution to DES. Coleman pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud on Jan. 16, 2024.

Boston was sentenced by Judge Brnovich on July 9, 2024, to 36 months in prison and ordered to pay $97,596 in restitution to DES. Boston pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud on Jan. 3, 2024.

Kelly, Coleman, and Boston admitted to helping file fraudulent unemployment applications on behalf of inmates who were not eligible because they had not lost jobs due to COVID-19.

At the time, Boston was incarcerated and provided the necessary inmate information to Kelly and Coleman. From the Arizona State Prison in Goodyear, Boston emailed Coleman, recruiting her to help process the inmate applications for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance.

Kelly then filed the false applications and weekly certifications in the names of Boston and other inmates. In return, Kelly paid Boston by depositing money into her prison commissary account.

Kelly also submitted false unemployment applications and weekly certifications for other ineligible individuals, including Coleman.

Coleman personally processed and filed two of these fraudulent applications. Altogether, between May and December 2020, Kelly and her co-defendants submitted at least 42 fraudulent applications, resulting in approximately $375,094 in illegal gains.

“We appreciate our continuous collaboration with the U.S. Department of Labor and the Office of Inspector General to identify and hold accountable those who exploit the system and engage in unemployment insurance fraud,” said Angie Rodgers, director of the Arizona Department of Economic Security.

“Our agencies are resolute in our dedication to preserving the integrity of the unemployment insurance benefits program.”