By: Richard L. Smith
A New Jersey man has been sentenced to more than three years in prison for his role in a scheme to fraudulently obtain over $570,000 in COVID-19 unemployment benefits, according to a statement released by the U.S. Department of Justice. 
Jose Tavares, 37, of Englewood, New Jersey, was convicted on October 28, 2024, of conspiracy to commit wire fraud following a five-day jury trial in federal court.
U.S. District Judge Robert Kirsch handed down the 40-month sentence in Trenton federal court. Tavares’ co-conspirators, Yanira Abreu, 43, of Keasbey, and Christopher Valerio, 34, of Perth Amboy, had already been sentenced for their roles in the fraudulent operation.
Court records and testimony revealed that between July 2020 and February 2021, Tavares, along with Abreu, Valerio, and others, orchestrated a scheme to submit fraudulent unemployment insurance claims to the New York Department of Labor (NYDOL).
They used stolen personal information, including names, birth dates, and Social Security numbers, to create fictitious online profiles and file fraudulent applications without the victims' knowledge or consent.
Once the applications were processed and approved, the conspirators obtained debit cards loaded with the stolen funds, which they used for personal expenses, including vacations, high-end retail shopping, and cosmetic procedures. 
In addition to his prison sentence, Tavares was ordered to serve three years of supervised release and pay $570,077 in restitution.
Federal authorities continue to investigate and prosecute pandemic-related fraud, emphasizing that individuals who exploit emergency relief programs for personal gain will face significant legal consequences.