Anthony Camou, a 46-year-old resident of Las Vegas, Nevada, has pled guilty to charges of mail fraud and conspiracy to commit mail fraud. These charges stem from his involvement in a scheme to fraudulently obtain unemployment insurance benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III along with representatives from the United States Department of Labor's Office of Inspector General (USDOL-OIG), the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), and the New York State Inspector General's office (NYS-OIG).
United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III remarked on the case: “Pandemic-related unemployment insurance benefits were designed to assist hardworking Americans struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic. Yesterday’s guilty plea should serve as a warning that we will hold accountable those who misrepresent their eligibility for federal funding.”
USPIS Inspector in Charge Ketty Larco-Ward added: “Yesterday, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and its law enforcement partners sent a powerful message to those who commit fraud through the U.S. mail. Postal Inspectors will vigorously investigate and bring to justice those seeking to use the mail to facilitate the misappropriation of public funds in times of prosperity and, more importantly, in times of adversity.”
New York State Inspector General Lucy Lang also commented: “Theft of unemployment benefits during the pandemic deprived New Yorkers of critical support in a time of need. My office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate and hold accountable those who seek to exploit vital government programs for personal gain, especially in times of crisis.”
Camou admitted that between July 2020 and September 2021, he and co-conspirator Jodi Drygula illegally obtained over $250,000 in unemployment insurance benefits from the New York State Department of Labor using multiple identities. As part of his plea agreement, Camou agreed to pay at least $56,994 in restitution and forfeit $38,641.
He faces up to 20 years imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000, and up to three years supervised release upon sentencing scheduled for September 18, 2025.
Jodi Drygula previously pled guilty on related charges and is awaiting sentencing on July 15, 2025.
The investigation is being conducted by USDOL-OIG with assistance from USPIS and NYS-OIG alongside contributions from the New York State Department of Labor. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew M. Paulbeck and Joshua R. Rosenthal are leading prosecution efforts.
