Jail Inmates Accused of Scamming COVID-19 Unemployment Funds

Santa Barbara authorities are investigating what appears to be a large-scale unemployment fraud scheme carried out by County Jail inmates to receive COVID-19 unemployment assistance.

While the District Attorney’s Office, which is leading the investigation, said it could not comment on the pending inquiry, sources with knowledge of the alleged plot say the ring of inmates ― with help from outside contacts ― successfully filed 143 bogus claims through California’s Employment Development Department (EDD). The exact number of inmates involved and the amount of money stolen is unclear. Charges will likely be filed in the coming weeks.