Ronald House, who applied for unemployment insurance in his name and the names of others in more than 15 states during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, has pleaded guilty to a wire fraud charge.
“House ran a multi-state scam stealing benefits allotted for those in need,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. “COVID-19 pandemic funds provided vital aid for citizens who qualified for them. Congress did not intend for individuals to illegally profit from the CARES Act program. House compounded his fraudulent conduct by stealing the identities of others to perpetrate his scheme.”
He fraudulently obtained more than $150,000 in benefits.
Sentencing for House, 66, is scheduled for March 8 at 10:00.