The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey announced today that Jose Tavares, a 37-year-old resident of Englewood, New Jersey, has been convicted of conspiring to illegally acquire over $570,000 in COVID-19 unemployment benefits.
Jury Trial and Conviction
Following a five-day jury trial before U.S. District Judge Robert Kirsch in Trenton federal court, Tavares was found guilty on October 28 of one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
Co-Conspirators and Their Pleas
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Tavares collaborated with co-conspirators Yanira Abreu, 43, of Keasby, New Jersey, and Christopher Valerio, 34, of Perth Amboy, New Jersey. Abreu and Valerio previously pleaded guilty to related charges and were sentenced by Judge Kirsch as part of the same scheme.
Details of the Fraudulent Scheme
Court documents reveal that between July 2020 and February 2021, Tavares, Valerio, Abreu, and others submitted fraudulent unemployment insurance applications to the New York Department of Labor (NYDOL). They created fake online profiles using the personal information of unsuspecting individuals, including names, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers.
Also read: November Surprise: Some Social Security Recipients to Receive Extra Check
Financial Gains and Misuse of Funds
Once the NYDOL processed these applications, Tavares and his co-conspirators obtained debit cards loaded with over $570,000 in benefits. The funds were allegedly used for personal expenses such as vacations, luxury retail purchases, and cosmetic surgery.
Potential Sentencing and Penalties
The conspiracy charge of wire fraud carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000, or twice the gross gain or loss involved. Tavares is scheduled for sentencing on March 4, 2025, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
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