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Detroit couple accused of conspiring with state employee in $2.5M unemployment fraud scheme

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DETROIT (WXYZ) — A Detroit couple was charged with participating in a multi-million dollar unemployment insurance fraud scheme.

Johnny Richardson, 25, and Micahia Taylor, 27, are accused of conspiring with a former UIA contract employee, identified as Brandi
Hawkins.

According to the complaints, Richardson, Taylor and Hawkins allegedly conspired to fraudulently release more than $2.5 million in government money intended to support those who lost their jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Richardson and Taylor allegedly filed fraudulent unemployment claims over the Internet and provided Hawkins information on the claims. Hawkins then allegedly used her insider access to fraudulently release more than $2 million in federal and state funds intended for unemployment assistance during the pandemic.