Ohio Unemployment Fraud Scheme Nets $7 million, 15 Indicted
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Columbus, OH - A sweeping investigation has uncovered a multi-million-dollar fraud scheme targeting Ohio’s Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program.Fifteen individuals, including three Columbus-area women-a mother and daughter among them-have been indicted by a franklin County grand jury, accused of illicitly obtaining over $7 million in benefits.
The Alleged Scheme
Markeya Smith, 28, Brandy Smith, 45, and Shirkara Reggins Cochran, 42, are at the center of the alleged conspiracy. They face charges including engaging in corrupt activity,money laundering,theft,and telecommunications fraud. Twelve other co-conspirators were also indicted in connection with the scheme.
The Ohio Office of the Inspector General initiated the investigation in October 2022 after the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) detected suspicious activity. The investigation revealed a network designed to manipulate the PUA system, which experienced a surge in claims during the COVID-19 pandemic [[1]].
Authorities allege Markeya Smith, while working as a contractor for Randstad assigned to the Ohio PUA program, improperly cleared submission issues and inflated applicant incomes to increase weekly payouts. Brandy Smith, a former ODJFS customer service representative, is accused of approving claims even after her employment ended.
Did You Know? The Pandemic unemployment Assistance program was created as part of the CARES Act to provide benefits to individuals not traditionally eligible for unemployment, such as gig workers and the self-employed.
Connections and Recruitment
Investigators found notable overlap in the PUA claims accessed by Markeya and Brandy Smith. Both women were also linked to Shirkara Reggins Cochran,who worked as a subcontractor for ODJFS through Insight Global. Cochran is accused of improperly accessing claims, disbursing unauthorized funds, and using an alias - her mother’s name, “Cherita” – during her employment.
The scheme allegedly involved recruiting additional PUA applicants willing to have issues removed from their applications or to fraudulently inflate their claims. In exchange for these services, the three women are accused of receiving cash or electronic payments.
Key Details of the Investigation
| Individual | Role | Alleged Actions |
|---|---|---|
| Markeya Smith | Randstad Contractor | Improperly cleared application issues, inflated incomes. |
| Brandy Smith | former ODJFS Rep. | Approved claims after termination of employment. |
| Shirkara Cochran | Insight Global Subcontractor | Improperly accessed claims, disbursed funds, used alias. |
Even after her termination from Randstad,Markeya Smith allegedly retained access to the ODJFS benefits system,releasing nearly $3 million in PUA benefits before her access was revoked.
Pro Tip: Regularly review your unemployment benefit statements for any discrepancies and report any suspected fraud instantly to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.
Reporting Unemployment Fraud
Ohio residents who suspect unemployment fraud or identity theft related to unemployment benefits are encouraged to report it. Individuals who received a 1099-G form indicating benefits they did not receive should visit the OUIO Employer Fraud Reporting Portal [[2]]. Suspected employer fraud, such as paying workers “under the table,” can also be reported [[3]].
What steps can individuals take to protect themselves from unemployment identity theft? how can employers prevent their employees’ facts from being used in fraudulent claims?
the Broader Context of Unemployment Fraud
Unemployment fraud is a persistent issue, notably during times of economic crisis. The COVID-19 pandemic saw a dramatic increase in fraudulent claims nationwide, as criminals exploited expanded eligibility criteria and overwhelmed state systems. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, billions of dollars were lost to fraud during the pandemic. States are continually working to improve security measures and detection methods to combat this growing threat.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ohio Unemployment Fraud
- What is unemployment fraud? Unemployment fraud occurs when someone knowingly makes false statements to obtain unemployment benefits they are not entitled to.
- how can I report suspected unemployment fraud in Ohio? You can report fraud through the OUIO Employer Fraud Reporting Portal or directly to the ohio Department of Job and Family Services.
- What happens if I am accused of unemployment fraud? Accusations of unemployment fraud can lead to criminal charges,penalties,and the requirement to repay any fraudulently obtained benefits.
- Is my personal information safe with the Ohio unemployment system? The ODJFS is continually working to enhance security measures, but individuals should remain vigilant about protecting their personal information.
- What is the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program? PUA was a temporary program created during the COVID-19 pandemic to provide benefits to those not traditionally eligible for unemployment.
Published: August 21,2025
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