A married couple from San Bernardino County, Lisa Puente, and Arthur Marquez, were arrested for allegedly obtaining more than $2.1 million in Covid-19 relief funds. They were accused of submitting over 120 fraudulent applications for unemployment insurance benefits using stolen identities from California state prisoners and victims from other states. They falsely claimed that the victims used to live and work in California to qualify for the benefits.
Prosecutors from the U.S. Department of Justice stated that the scheme was run from February 2020 to August 2023. The fraudulent applications claimed that the individuals’ employment was negatively affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, making them eligible for unemployment insurance benefits under federal law. Puente and Marquez used debit cards generated by the claims to withdraw the benefits from ATMs and make purchases at local businesses.
The couple is facing multiple charges, including six counts of mail fraud, one count of unauthorized access devices, and one count of aggravated identity theft. If convicted, they could face up to 20 years in federal prison for each mail fraud count, up to 10 years for the unauthorized access device count, and a mandatory two-year consecutive prison sentence for the aggravated identity theft count. They are currently out on bond awaiting their trial on December 30.
The U.S. Department of Justice emphasized that Puente and Marquez’s actions were part of a larger problem of individuals taking advantage of Covid-19 relief funds through fraudulent means. The case highlights the importance of monitoring and enforcing the proper use of government aid programs to ensure that funds go to those truly in need.
The couple’s arrest is part of a broader crackdown on Covid-19 relief fund fraud across the country. Authorities are actively investigating and prosecuting individuals who attempt to defraud government aid programs intended to support those impacted by the pandemic. The case serves as a warning to others considering fraudulent activities to obtain Covid-19 relief funds.
Puente and Marquez’s alleged actions not only defrauded the government of over $2.1 million but also harmed the victims whose identities were stolen. The financial impact of such scams extends beyond monetary losses, affecting the broader community and eroding trust in the integrity of relief programs. Prosecuting individuals engaged in fraudulent activities serves as a deterrent to others and helps safeguard the effectiveness and legitimacy of Covid-19 relief efforts.
