INDIANAPOLIS – Gary resident Clarence D. Andrews, 46, pleaded guilty last week in the Lake County Superior Court-Criminal Division in Crown Point to unemployment insurance fraud, a Class D Felony. Andrews purposefully defrauded the system by collecting unemployment insurance benefits while working a full-time job. 

The investigation began when Andrews’ employer received a notice from the Department of Workforce Development (DWD) stating they were being charged for his unemployment insurance benefits. The employer notified DWD that Andrews was working full-time by completing a form that allows employers to dispute claims for unemployment insurance. This form is available online at www.in.gov/dwd/protest.pdf. Using agency records and information from the company, DWD investigated and was able to verify Andrews worked full-time while claiming unemployment insurance benefits. 

“Unemployment insurance is intended to assist folks who lost their job through no fault of their own,” said Scott B. Sanders, Commissioner of the Department of Workforce Development. “When someone tries to game the system, they take money away from those in need. Unemployment insurance fraud hurts everyone’s bottom line.” 

Andrews received a sentence of three years on probation, but will serve the time in prison if he violates the conditions of his plea agreement. He must also repay DWD the benefits he fraudulently collected, plus penalties and interest, totaling $37,831. 

Each month, DWD sends employers a notice documenting their charges for former employees’ unemployment insurance benefits. This provides the employer an opportunity to dispute the claim for unemployment insurance benefits.

You can also help combat unemployment insurance fraud and abuse by reporting it online at www.in.gov/dwd/fraud. Your efforts will help ensure tax dollars are spent wisely and unemployment insurance benefits are only paid to people who are eligible to receive them. You do not need to provide your name or any other identifying information in order to file a complaint in regards to unemployment insurance fraud.

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