May 17, 2006
Contact: Curt Stewart 801.526.4315
Salt Lake City – In a recent Third District Court decision,
a Salt Lake County woman was found guilty of Attempted Unemployment Insurance
fraud and sent to jail.
On April 14, 2006, Judge J. Dennis Frederick of the Third District Court sentenced
the defendant, Velma F. Abbott, to 365 days in jail. Her confinement was to
begin immediately with credit for 56 days for time served.
The defendant was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $5,783.63.
On April 24, 2006 in Third District Court, before Judge Stephen L. Henriod,
Teodorita Gallegos of Ogden pled guilty to two third degree felonies and was
sentenced to 0-5 years in the Utah State Prison for misuse of public assistance
funds provided for daycare assistance with the sentences to run concurrently
(suspended) and 36 months probation with Adult Probation and Parole. She was
also sentenced to 90 days in jail, a $550 fine, and to pay restitution in the
amount of $13,328.00.
Public Assistance Programs and the Unemployment Insurance Program are both administered
by the Department of Workforce Services (DWS). “The department has always
taken a firm stand against fraud,” said DWS Deputy Director Christopher
Love. "The Court is simply reinforcing a law that clearly states Public
Assistance fraud in any form is not tolerated in Utah."
Individuals are encouraged to report fraud. To report Public Assistance fraud
call 1-800-955-2210. To report Unemployment Insurance fraud call 1-888-848-0688.
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