Former State Employee Charged in Theft and Insurance Fraud Cases

BALTIMORE, MD News (6/26/2024) – Attorney General Anthony G. Brown today announced the indictment of Shanell Angelia West, 45, of Essex, Maryland, on charges related to theft and insurance fraud in two separate cases. The charges pertain to West’s activities both during and after her employment with the Maryland Department of Labor.

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In the first case, West is accused of engaging in a theft scheme while employed as a clerk at the Maryland Department of Labor. The indictment includes charges of theft scheme with a value between $1,500 and $25,000, counterfeiting of private instruments and documents, issuing counterfeit private instruments and documents, and misconduct in office.

According to the charges, West allegedly exploited her position to misappropriate funds from state licensees. Her responsibilities involved processing business licensing fees and fine payments to various state licensing boards. West is accused of retaining or making copies of checks payable to the state, altering them, and then depositing them into personal bank accounts. After her termination from the Department of Labor, she allegedly continued to deposit forged versions of these checks.

In the second case, West faces charges of fraudulent insurance acts of $300 or more, identity fraud of $1,500 or more, and forgery. These charges are linked to a fraudulent insurance claim she allegedly filed related to her former employment. West claimed she missed over two weeks of work in June and July 2023 due to injuries from a car accident, despite having been terminated from the Department of Labor in 2022. To support her claim, West allegedly submitted a document to her insurer containing a forged signature of a former colleague.

Attorney General Brown emphasized the gravity of these charges and expressed his commitment to pursuing justice. “These indictments reflect our dedication to holding individuals accountable for actions that undermine public trust,” Brown stated. He also extended gratitude to the members of his Criminal Division, specifically the Fraud and Corruption Unit, Assistant Attorney General William Elman, and Investigative Auditor Harry Schulz, for their diligent work on these cases.

The defendant’s cases are set to be heard in Baltimore County Circuit Court. It is important to note that a criminal indictment is merely an accusation of wrongdoing, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This announcement underscores the ongoing efforts of the Attorney General’s office to combat fraud and corruption within the state. The charges against West, if proven, highlight the need for stringent oversight and accountability in public offices. The Attorney General’s office remains vigilant in identifying and prosecuting instances of fraud to safeguard public resources and maintain integrity in state operations.

As the cases proceed, further details are expected to emerge, providing a clearer picture of the extent and impact of the alleged fraudulent activities. The Attorney General’s office encourages anyone with relevant information to come forward as the investigation continues.

Story by multiple RFHC contributors.

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