A Baltimore man has been sentenced to nearly five years in federal prison for his role in a scheme that defrauded Maryland’s unemployment insurance program of nearly $300,000. Devante Smith, 30, used stolen personal information to file fraudulent unemployment claims, taking advantage of federal benefits intended to help those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. U.S. District Judge Julie R. Rubin sentenced Smith to 57 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release.
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Between June 2020 and May 2021, Smith conspired with others to fraudulently obtain unemployment benefits through the Maryland Department of Labor. He collected personally identifiable information from victims and used it to submit false claims. Investigators found that he shared stolen identification and Social Security cards with a co-defendant, Tiia Woods, 47, of Jacksonville, Florida, who assisted in processing the fraudulent applications. The funds were used for personal expenses instead of supporting individuals struggling due to the pandemic.
The scheme exploited provisions of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, a federal program designed to provide emergency financial assistance to unemployed individuals. The CARES Act expanded eligibility for unemployment benefits to include independent contractors and self-employed workers, making it a target for fraudsters.
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The case was part of the District of Maryland Strike Force’s broader effort to investigate and prosecute COVID-19-related fraud. The Strike Force, one of five nationwide, focuses on large-scale, multi-state pandemic relief fraud operations. It is an interagency law enforcement initiative that uses data analysis and investigative teams to identify fraudulent activities.
Authorities encourage anyone with information about COVID-19-related fraud to report it to the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud. Reports can be made via phone at 866-720-5721 or through an online complaint form. The investigation involved the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General, the FBI’s Baltimore Field Office, and Bank of America’s fraud detection team.
Article by multiple RFHC contributors, based upon information from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Maryland.
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