Tasha Hoggatt, age 51, of Valencia, California, was sentenced on July 28 in Spokane, Washington, by United States District Court Judge Rebecca L. Pennell to five years of probation and six months of home confinement after pleading guilty to theft concerning programs that receive federal funds. Hoggatt was also ordered to pay $51,403 in restitution and a $4,000 fine.
According to court documents, Hoggatt worked for the Washington State Employment Security Department (ESD) as a Human Resource Consultant between October 1, 2021, and October 31, 2022. She later served as a Benefits Specialist from May 16 through September 19, 2024. During her employment with ESD, Hoggatt filed false Paid Family Medical Leave Act applications using her own name and those of two family members with fictitious medical information supported by forged doctor signatures. She also fraudulently applied for unemployment insurance benefits between October 31, 2022, and May 16, 2024, while not employed by ESD but actually working in California. Through these actions she obtained $51,403 from the state’s Paid Family Leave and Unemployment Insurance programs.
“Washington State Employment Security Department uses state and federal funds to provide resources for individuals in need. When people take advantage of these programs, they should expect to be prosecuted by United States Attorney’s Office; this is especially true when someone, like Hoggatt, works for the Department,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Pete Serrano.
“Tasha Hoggatt abused her position at the Washington Employment Security Department to steal more than $51,000 in benefits meant for workers in genuine need,” said Anthony P. D’Esposito, Inspector General at the U.S. Department of Labor. “Today’s sentence underscores a simple truth: if you exploit federal programs and betray the public’s trust, my office will pursue you relentlessly.
Our dedication to working with our law enforcement partners remains unwavering as we uphold a rigorous zero-tolerance policy towards any misuse of our systems. Those who seek to exploit these programs will inevitably be identified and brought to justice. Accountability is not just a promise—it’s a guarantee.”
The case was investigated by the Department of Labor Office of Inspector General and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy J. Kelley.
The U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington prosecutes federal crimes—including cases like this one—handles civil litigation on behalf of the United States government across twenty counties east of the Cascade Mountains in eastern Washington state; it also supports community safety initiatives such as drug awareness campaigns and internet safety efforts while coordinating with local law enforcement agencies through its Law Enforcement Coordinating Committee, according to the official website.