INDIANAPOLIS  – Marion County Prosecutor Terry Curry and Indiana Department of Workforce Commissioner Scott Sanders announced a new partnership today to investigate and prosecute individuals accused of fraudulent unemployment insurance (UI) claims. The first two of such cases were filed in Marion County Criminal Court last week.

Jurisdiction for the prosecution of these cases falls within Marion County based on the fact that DWD’s online benefit filing server is located in Indianapolis. This partnership alleviates the difficulty of prosecutors outside Marion County establishing venue because UI claims are filed online, as well as issues arising because of the intricacy of the UI system.

“Unemployment insurance is an important safety net, but exploitation of the system and misuse by those who do not qualify cannot be tolerated. Prosecuting those who fraudulently access these benefits helps protect the system for legitimate claimants and for those businesses that pay into the fund,” Marion County Prosecutor Terry Curry said. “Our office is pleased to partner with the Department of Workforce Development in this effort.”

“We are pleased to partner with the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office and what this alliance says as a deterrent to would-be lawbreakers,” said Scott B. Sanders, Commissioner of the Indiana Department of Workforce Development. “This gives our agency a significant tool to go after fraud and abuse in the system so these funds are available for Hoosiers truly in need.”

Working in collaboration, the two agencies will investigate cases where fraud is suspected. Once investigated and substantiated, the Prosecutor will file charges against individuals believed to be intentionally falsifying information to receive unemployment insurance benefits, most commonly charged with Welfare Fraud, a class C felony.

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 Marion Co. Prosecutor’s Office: Peg McLeish (317) 327-5543)