Bean Town Times

Two corrections officers from the Suffolk County Sheriff's Department have been arrested for allegedly submitting fraudulent information to obtain loans through CARES Act programs, including the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program and the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).

Christnel Orisca, 25, and Jasmine Murphy, 38, both of Boston, face multiple charges. Orisca has been indicted on five counts of wire fraud and one count of making a false statement to a financial institution. Murphy faces seven counts of wire fraud and one count of making a false statement to a financial institution. These charges relate to benefits obtained before their employment at the Suffolk County Sheriff's Department.

The arrests took place this morning, with court appearances scheduled in Boston later today.

"This case highlights the critical importance of protecting taxpayer-funded programs like the CARES Act from fraud and abuse," stated United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. He emphasized that those in positions of public trust are alleged to have exploited pandemic relief programs intended for small businesses and unemployed workers during a crisis.

Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent-in-Charge at the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Inspector General, noted that investigating allegations of fraud involving COVID-19 unemployment insurance programs is a key part of their mission. Inspector General Joseph V. Cuffari from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security also commented on the arrests: "Today’s arrest sends a clear message that those seeking to fraudulently receive benefits will be investigated and prosecuted."

According to charging documents, Orisca has been with the Suffolk County Sheriff's Department since late 2021 and allegedly collected approximately $54,700 in benefits while working full-time elsewhere. Murphy joined in January 2022 and is accused of collecting about $44,346 under similar circumstances.

Both defendants are alleged to have made false claims about their employment status in PUA applications and submitted inaccurate statements on PPP loan applications regarding income or payroll details.

Wire fraud charges carry penalties including up to 20 years in prison and fines up to $250,000. Making false statements can result in up to 30 years in prison and fines reaching $1 million.

The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Levy along with officials from DOL-OIG and DHS-OIG. The investigation received support from several agencies including the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Boston Police Department.

In May 2021, the Attorney General established a task force aimed at combating pandemic-related fraud by coordinating efforts across government agencies.

For more information on pandemic response efforts or to report suspected COVID-19 related fraud, individuals can visit official Justice Department websites or contact their hotline.

The defendants remain presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in court.