Crime & Safety
State Police Cracking Down on Unemployment Fraud
The ongoing effort to eliminate theft from the critical support system has netted dozens of arrests throughout the state. More are expected.
In its ongoing effort to eliminate theft from a critical support system, the state police department announced another round of arrests for unemployment fraud.
Troopers and state sheriffs arrested eight suspects Tuesday for allegedly obtaining more than $1,500 under false pretenses, a felony. Collectively, the suspects allegedly stole more than $100,000 from taxpayers by fraudulently collecting unemployment benefits. The defendants, who were in 6th District Court and released on personal recognizance, include:
- Adrian George, 44, of 29 Randall St., Cranston.
- Joao Camara, 41, of 12 Haffards St., Fall River, MA.
- Bruce DaSilva, 32, of 180 Bloodgood St., Pawtucket.
- Kimberly Woodruff, 45, of 2097 Plainfield St., Johnston.
- Steven Sousa, 36, of 74 Carolina Ave., Providence.
- Roosevelt Bonilla, 42, of 186 Clarence St., Providence.
- Scott Archambault, 47, of 52 Woodhaven Road, Pawtucket.
- Patrick Carroll, 46, of 106 Pettee Ave., North Kingstown.
The coalition has vowed to continue to punish those who steal from a support system designed to temporarily help people get by while out of work.
"Unemployment insurance provides critical support to those who are actively
seeking employment," Department of Labor and Training Director Charles Fogarty said in a release. "To maintain the integrity of this important benefits program, we work diligently to identify any claimants who may be abusing the rules. Working together, we hope to send a strong message to the community that Rhode Island takes benefits fraud very seriously."
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