Ohio​ Unemployment‍ Fraud ‌Scheme Nets $7 ⁣million, 15 Indicted

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

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?

World Today News Staff

Published: August 21,2025

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