Juneau Resident Convicted Of Unemployment Insurance Fraud

Aug. 8, 2018
No. 18-33

JUNEAU, Alaska — A 42-year-old Juneau woman pled guilty after fraudulently collecting unemployment insurance benefits in 2017. On July 31, 2018, Naomi Weitzel pled guilty to theft in the second degree, a class C felony, as part of a plea agreement. Ms. Weitzel collected unemployment insurance benefits she was not entitled to receive because she was employed full time.

Superior Court Judge Keith B. Levy sentenced Ms. Weitzel to 12 months incarceration, all suspended, and she must complete 65 hours of community service. Ms. Weitzel must pay restitution in the amount of $15,048 to the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development. She will be on probation for three years.

"The unemployment insurance system helps stabilize Alaskans who face the serious challenges of unemployment," said Alaska Labor Commissioner Heidi Drygas. "The small minority of individuals who intentionally misrepresent their benefit claims are committing a crime, and the department vigorously investigates abuses of the system."

Ms. Weitzel's conviction stems from an investigation conducted by the department's Unemployment Insurance Investigations Unit, which is responsible for maintaining the integrity of the unemployment insurance program by investigating, detecting, and recovering improper payments.

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