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GAINESVILLE – A 34-year-old High Springs man has been sentenced to 42 months in federal prison for wire fraud related to COVID-19 pandemic relief, federal prosecutors announced.

Sean Walker was sentenced in U.S. District Court following his conviction for fraudulently obtaining more than $20,000 in unemployment insurance benefits from the State of California, according to Acting U.S. Attorney Michelle Spaven of the Northern District of Florida.

“Our office will continue to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse of taxpayer money, including holding those accountable who conspired to falsely obtain government funds during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Spaven said in a statement.

Court records show Walker submitted a benefits application containing false and fraudulent statements. He claimed unemployment benefits from California despite never having lived or worked in the state. The payments were funded in part by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which was created to provide emergency financial assistance to Americans impacted by the pandemic.

In addition to his prison term, Walker was ordered to pay $21,690 in restitution to California’s Employment Development Department. He will also serve three years of supervised release following his imprisonment.

Walker is one of nine defendants convicted of similar fraud schemes as a result of a joint investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation.

“While many were facing hardship and uncertainty, these defendants sought to exploit government programs intended to help those in need,” said Ron Loecker, special agent in charge of the IRS-CI Tampa Field Office. “Their actions were driven by greed and a blatant disregard for the law, undermining the purpose of critical relief efforts. We remain committed to holding accountable those who abuse these programs for personal gain and ensuring that justice is served.”

Kristin Rehler, special agent in charge of the FBI Jacksonville Division, added: “The sentencing of Sean Walker conveys the important message that you cannot steal money from Americans without consequence. The funds stolen by this defendant and other co-conspirators add to the massive amount of COVID-19 relief fraud that will ultimately be paid for by taxpayers. The FBI’s investigation into these schemes exemplifies our commitment to hold thieves accountable, and we will continue to work in coordination with our partners to protect the pocketbooks of hard-working Americans.”

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Adam Hapner and David P. Byron.

The COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force continues to coordinate investigations and enforcement actions against pandemic-related fraud. More information is available at Justice.gov/Coronavirus and Justice.gov/Coronavirus/CombatingFraud.

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