A Florida man has pleaded guilty to charges of wire fraud and aggravated identity theft after attempting to defraud Maryland and California of more than $2.3 million in COVID-19 unemployment insurance (UI) benefits. David Godin, 34, of Miami, who used aliases such as “James St Patrick,” “David Wetty,” and “Vic Pro,” admitted to his role in the scheme, which ran from June 2020 to November 2023 and targeted the Maryland Department of Labor (MD-DOL) and the California Employment Development Department (CA-EDD).
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Godin exploited the pandemic-era UI systems by using stolen identities, anonymous email addresses, and virtual private networks to file multiple fraudulent claims. Through his scheme, he submitted over 140 fraudulent UI claims to MD-DOL, CA-EDD, and other state agencies, resulting in $2,364,226 in attempted benefits and securing $1,087,345.66 in illicit payments. As part of his plea agreement, Godin has agreed to pay restitution in the amount he fraudulently obtained and forfeit any money, property, or assets connected to the scheme, including a money judgment of at least $1,087,345.66.
Godin now faces a maximum of 20 years in federal prison for wire fraud and an additional mandatory minimum of two years for aggravated identity theft. Sentencing is set for June 30 at 10 a.m., with U.S. District Judge Matthew J. Maddox presiding over the case. The final sentence will be determined by the judge after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other relevant factors.
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This case was part of the District of Maryland COVID-19 Strike Force, established by the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate and prosecute pandemic-related fraud. The Strike Force focuses on large-scale, multi-state COVID-19 relief fraud schemes carried out by criminal organizations and transnational actors. These teams combine law enforcement and data analysis to identify and prosecute those who misused pandemic relief funds under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
Anyone with information about fraud related to COVID-19 relief can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or filing a complaint at the NCDF Web Complaint Form.
Article by multiple RFHC contributors, based upon information from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Maryland.
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