Postal workers from Illinois charged with COVID-19 relief fraud

An Illinois couple is facing fraud charges after allegedly illegally obtaining over $90,000 from a pandemic relief program.

Prosecutor Kwame Raoul has initiated proceedings against Genesis Sherrod (46) and Randall Walker (55), both of Roselle, on suspicion of falsely claiming ownership of a non-existent business in order to obtain two loans from the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). At the time, they were simultaneously receiving federal disability benefits and employed by the U.S. Postal Service.

According to the indictment, Sherrod received $49,999 in 2021, while Walker received $41,666 based on the fraudulent applications. They also failed to report this income on their federal benefits forms. For these actions, Sherrod is charged with theft of government property, loan fraud, falsifying documents, and tax fraud, while Walker faces similar charges.

Prosecutor Raoul condemned the misuse of funds intended for small businesses and unemployed citizens during the pandemic, emphasizing that his office will continue to investigate similar cases.

Special Agent Dennus Bishop of the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General noted that the Postal Service spends $1.45 billion annually on disability benefits for workers, but that a small number of employees abuse the system, causing millions in losses.

This indictment is part of a broader effort by authorities to crack down on pandemic relief fraud. Sherrod and Walker are scheduled to appear in court on April 21.

SOURCE: FOX32, PHOTO: FREEPIK