Unemployment Fraud Case Dismissed for Nurse in Providence, RI
Criminal Charges:
Nurse charged in Rhode Island Superior Court (Providence County) for:
- Obtaining Money Under False Pretenses, in violation of RIGL § 11-41-4
- Unemployment Fraud, in violation of RIGL § 28-42-62.1
Case Overview:
A female registered nurse fell under investigation by Rhode Island State Police for unemployment fraud. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the nurse put in a claim for unemployment insurance benefits after taking some time off work. When she returned to work part-time, she continued to submit weekly claims for unemployment benefits, which she received in an aggregate amount of more than $10,000. When police contacted her as part of their investigation to request a statement and inform her of a pending arrest warrant, she immediately hired Rhode Island Criminal Defense Lawyer, John L. Calcagni III, to defend her in this matter.
Case Result: Dismissed.
Attorney Calcagni coordinated the woman’s voluntary surrender to state police to have the warrant cleared. He then applied for the nurse to participate in the Rhode Island Superior Court Adult Diversion Program. Participants who successfully complete the program are eligible to have their charges both dismissed and sealed. The nurse needed this most favorable result, so that her nursing licenses in Rhode Island and elsewhere would not be adversely impacted by her criminal charges. Attorney Calcagni successfully advocated for his client’s acceptance into the Diversion Program. The woman entered the program, paid full restitution to the State of Rhode Island for the financial unemployment benefits she received, and completed a number of community service hours. As a result, her case was dismissed and has since been sealed from public record.