A Detroit resident, Danielle Moore, was sentenced to 41 months in prison for her involvement in a scheme to fraudulently obtain unemployment assistance funds. United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr. announced the sentencing, which followed Moore’s guilty plea to conspiring to engage in wire fraud.
Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson of the FBI’s Detroit Field Division and Megan Howell, Special Agent-in-Charge of the U.S. Department of Labor-Office of Inspector General for the Great Lakes Region, joined Gorgon in making the announcement.
Moore worked as a claims examiner for the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. She admitted to accepting bribes to approve fraudulent claims, resulting in approximately $1,507,057.08 being paid out improperly by the State of Michigan.
United States District Judge Susan K. DeClercq ordered Moore not only to serve her prison sentence but also to pay restitution equivalent to the amount lost due to her actions.
“We remain committed to prosecuting those who choose to profit through the theft of government funds earmarked for those members of our community who are truly in need,” stated United States Attorney Gorgon.
Cheyvoryea Gibson commented on Moore’s betrayal: “Her actions were not only criminal but also a direct insult to the countless families and businesses struggling… The FBI… will continue to investigate and hold accountable anyone who chooses to defraud essential relief programs.”
Megan Howell detailed Moore’s exploitation: “Former State of Michigan employee Danielle Moore engaged in an unemployment insurance fraud scheme by facilitating… at least 40 fraudulent claims for incarcerated individuals.”
Jason Palmer, Director of Michigan UIA, expressed disappointment over Moore’s breach of trust: “Danielle Moore used her insider status… She failed her colleagues and failed the taxpayers of Michigan…”
Assistant United States Attorney Timothy J. Wyse prosecuted this case with investigations conducted by several agencies including the Department of Labor and FBI’s Detroit Area Public Corruption Task Force.
