Jonathan Dupiton, a podcaster previously convicted of fraud, was sentenced on April 14 to seven years in federal prison for orchestrating a scheme that used stolen identities to claim millions of dollars in unemployment insurance benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The case highlights the ongoing efforts by federal authorities to prosecute those who exploit taxpayer-funded programs. U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg said, “During the pandemic, while citizens were struggling with job loss and trying to make ends meet, Dupiton stole unemployment benefits by submitting false applications using hundreds of stolen identities. His sentence underscores that anyone who seeks to exploit taxpayer-funded programs will be aggressively prosecuted and face substantial prison time.”
Dupiton’s scheme targeted California’s Unemployment Insurance program from at least July 2020 into early 2021 while he was completing a previous federal sentence at a halfway house. According to court information, Dupiton and his conspirators submitted fraudulent claims using hundreds of stolen identities via encrypted internet connections and redirected benefit debit cards to addresses in Georgia before withdrawing funds from ATMs around metro Atlanta. The Employment Development Department in California was defrauded out of approximately $3.8 million, with over $2 million withdrawn or spent.
Marlo Graham, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta, said, “Jonathan Dupiton orchestrated a brazen scheme to steal millions in unemployment benefits using the stolen identities of innocent victims, all while already serving a sentence for fraud.” Anthony P. D’Esposito from the U.S. Department of Labor added: “His sentencing sends a strong message: if you exploit federal programs and steal from taxpayers, my office will relentlessly pursue you.” Assistant Special Agent Maisha Horton from IRS Criminal Investigation also commented on their commitment "in protecting taxpayer dollars and will continue to hold accountable those who exploit public programs for personal gain.”
Dupiton pleaded guilty earlier this year to conspiracy charges related to mail and wire fraud as well as aggravated identity theft; he will also serve three years supervised release after his prison term and must pay restitution determined at a later hearing.
The prosecution was led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracia M. King following an investigation involving multiple agencies including the Department of Labor Office of Inspector General; Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations; and Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Theodore S. Hertzberg held the position of United States Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia according to the official website according to the official website. The office serves as principal federal law enforcement agency across north Georgia mountains through Atlanta suburbs up toward Alabama and Carolinas borders—a region covering about 7.5 million residents—and coordinates cases with national or international impact according to its official site. It prioritizes prosecution against threats such as terrorism or civil rights violations while collaborating closely with law enforcement partners as reported by its official site.
