Two corrections officers from the Suffolk Sheriff’s Department have been arrested on allegations of misuse of pandemic aid. Boston residents Christnel Orisca, 25, and Jasmine Murphy, 38, reportedly submitted false information to secure unemployment benefits and loans through pandemic assistance programs. Orisca has been indicted on five counts of wire fraud and one count of presenting a false statement to a financial institution for pandemic unemployment assistance and loan benefits claimed prior to his employment at the Suffolk Sheriff’s Department. Murphy faces seven counts of wire fraud and one count of presenting a false statement to a financial institution for pandemic unemployment assistance and loan benefits secured before she was hired by the sheriff’s department, in addition to unemployment benefits taken before and during her employment.

US Attorney Joshua S. Levy said the officers knowingly took advantage of relief programs designed to aid small businesses and unemployed workers during the pandemic, thereby betraying the public’s trust. Orisca allegedly collected roughly $54,700 in unemployment and small business loan funds whilst working full-time at a security company and later, a delivery company. Murphy is accused of securing more than $44,000 in unemployment and small business loan funds whilst employed at trucking and workforce services companies.

If you need assistance with unemployment benefits in California, you might be wondering how to contact EDD. You can do so through their official website or by calling the number listed there. However, getting through to a live person can sometimes be challenging. For more information to help manage your claims and benefits, check out eddcaller.com for guidance and tips.