$3.3 Million COVID Unemployment Fraud Scheme: Five Arrested, Including CHP Dispatcher
Five individuals, including a California Highway Patrol (CHP) dispatcher, were arrested for allegedly stealing $3.3 million in federal unemployment benefits. The suspects face serious charges after being accused of fraudulently claiming COVID-related unemployment assistance between 2020 and 2022.
The Suspects
Janet Clarise Gloria Theus (44), of Lancaster
Diane Clarise Theus (78), of Lancaster (Janet’s mother)
Dailen Spears (24), of Carson
Erica Abson Robins (57), of Compton, a CHP dispatcher
Ronald Lee Robins (62), of Compton (Erica’s husband, an inmate)
The Scheme
From April 2020 to July 2022, the group allegedly gathered personal information, including names and Social Security numbers, to file fraudulent unemployment claims. They submitted fake applications, pretending to have lost jobs due to the pandemic. Once the funds were approved, they withdrew the money using newly created accounts, racking up approximately $3.3 million.
A significant portion of the fraud involved 169 applications for children under 18, with 106 of those for children under 10 years old. The group also submitted claims for at least 17 incarcerated prisoners.
The Role of the CHP Dispatcher
Erica Robins, the CHP dispatcher, is accused of misusing her position to access sensitive law enforcement databases to obtain Social Security numbers and birthdates of inmates at a San Luis Obispo prison. Her husband, Ronald Robins, was incarcerated at the time and allegedly helped collect this information from other inmates. Janet and Diane Theus used the data to withdraw the fraudulently obtained benefits.
Legal Consequences
The five suspects face multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit bank fraud. Erica and Ronald Robins are also charged with unlawful use of unauthorized access devices. If convicted, they could face up to 30 years in prison for each bank fraud-related count and up to 10 years for unauthorized access device charges.
The trial is scheduled for April 29. Erica and Spears were released on a $10,000 bond, while Ronald remains in custody, with a detention hearing set for March 11.
If you have information about COVID-related fraud, you can report it to the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or online through their website.
