CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — WorkForce West Virginia says more than $80,000 in fraudulently obtained unemployment benefits were recovered in the second quarter of this year.
The agency says its unemployment compensation division detected fraud in claims filed by 257 people during the quarter and requested warrants in 106 of those cases. The agency oversees state jobless benefits.
The claimants were penalized in all cases where fraud was detected. The penalties include a one-year disqualification from receiving jobless benefits, repayment of overpaid benefits, and criminal prosecution with possible fines and jail sentences. Some individuals also may face civil lawsuits.
Warrants were recently issued for residents in 28 counties.