PITTSBURGH (Newsradio 1020 KDKA) - Federal and state prosecutors are charging 33 people including 19 prison and jail inmates with conspiring to steal millions of dollars from Pennsylvania's Unemployment Compensation System.
The inmates got help from people on the outside to file fraudulent claims with the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Program.
U.S. Attorney Scott Brady says they have the names of some 10,000 Pennsylvania inmates who received at least $10,000 each.
"When we're talking about the scope of fraud statewide, even at a floor, we're talking about over $100 million in fraud," said Brady.
Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro detailed how the scam worked.
"These incarcerated defendants used jail phones to communicate with helpers on the outside, detailing on recorded lines how to file under their name and the names of other incarcerated inmates online. And then, where to put the money," said Shapiro.
Shapiro said there will be more charges to come.
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