DOJ: Amsterdam woman charged in pandemic fraud conspiracy
AMSTERDAM, N.Y. (NEWS10)-- According to the United States Department of Justice on Monday, An Amsterdam woman has been charged in connection with a pandemic fraud conspiracy. Jodi Drygula, 52, has been indicted on multiple fraud charges along with Las Vegas resident Anthony Camou, 45.
The indictment alleges that from July 2020 through September 2021, Drygula and Camou obtained unemployment insurance benefits from the New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) under the names of three people. Officials said as a result of the fraudulent benefits, the two people allegedly defrauded the NYSDOL out of more than $250,000.
Charges for Drygula
- Mail fraud
- Conspiracy to commit mail fraud
Charges for Camou
- Mail fraud
- Conspiracy to commit mail fraud
Both felonies, the mail fraud and conspiracy charges carry a maximum term of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. The charges also carry a postrelease supervision term of up to three years.
The case is being investigated by the U.S. Department of Labor-Office of the Inspector General, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the New York State-Office of the Inspector General. In May 2021, the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force was created to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud.