Michigan agent recognized for uncovering multi-state fraud ring
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — An investigator with the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency has received national recognition for uncovering a multi-state fraud ring.
UIA Regulation Agent Kurt Eggly was recently given a Special Achievement Award by the Department of Labor’s Inspector General. It is the third time Eggly has earned an award for his investigations, and it is the sixth time in seven years that Michigan UIA investigators have been recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office of Eastern Michigan, Eggly was a key part of an investigation that caught 15 suspects, all of whom have been found guilty of wire fraud or aggravated identity theft.
The suspects reportedly made nearly 600 fraudulent benefit claims across 19 different states, including more than 100 in Michigan. Without intervention, they could have stolen more than $7 million. Overall, the suspects were ordered to pay $2.2 million in restitution.
ARPA funds to help state fight unemployment fraud
“We are extremely proud of the work our regulation agents do in their aggressive fight against fraud,” Michigan UIA Director Julia Dale said in a statement. “Kurt’s work exemplifies the very best in investigative techniques to allow him to build solid cases that stand up in court. I’ll put Kurt’s skills up against any agent in the country when it comes to fighting fraud.”
The Michigan UIA was a key target for fraudsters in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. An audit released in 2022 said more than $4.3 billion was wrongfully paid out to people who should not have qualified for benefits, leading auditors to say the agency “failed” its mission.
The UIA’s acting director, Steve Gray, stepped down from his position in November 2020. Dale was eventually hired to the position in October 2021.
According to the UIA, since March 2020, 162 people have been charged with stealing unemployment benefits in Michigan. Of those suspects, 91 have already been convicted, 71 have already been sentenced and more than $90 million have already been recovered.
Target 8: Fraudulent UIA claims filed in teachers’ names
“I want to thank the DOL and all our law enforcement partners for bringing these criminals to justice,” Dale stated. “It is our mission to create an agency that is the national model for fast, fair and fraud-free service, and our partners have been instrumental in bringing bad actors to justice and helping us achieve that mission.”
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com.
