Projo 7 to 7 News Blog

Six men and three women have been arrested on charges they collected unemployment benefits while still working, defrauding the state of approximately $92,500, Rhode Island State Police announced Friday.

The arrested are: Jennifer C. Matteson, 25, of 49 Dyer Ave., North Kingstown; Michael R. Beauregard, 49, of 19 Ambrose Drive, Bristol; John S. Pinkham, 41, of 31 Annie St., Pawtucket; Pamela A. Houston, 40, of 4 Point St., Portsmouth; Lisa J. Tobias, 41, of 76 Read Ave., Coventry; Michael P. Martins, 28, of 7 Williams Ave., East Providence; Howard W. Conley, 41, of 12 Jessica Lane, Narragansett; James W. Cornell, 33, of 18 Larchmont Ave., North Providence; and Charles R. Brule, 36, of 72 West Shore Rd., Warwick.

They each have been charged with obtaining money under false pretenses over $500, a felony.

They were arraigned at the state police headquarters before Justice of the Peace Richard Finnegan and released on personal recognizance.

The arrests are part of an ongoing joint investigation by the state police and the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training. More arrests are pending.

 Tags  economy

Comments

John said:

They should ABSOLUTELY make an example of these people! These are the exact people that are taking money away from those that need it the most! Honestly, put them in jail!

Link | May 29, 2009 3:23 PM
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zman07 said:

Were they in collusion or separately defrauded the state?

No matter. "ACI" them. They can get employment picking up highway trash.

Link | May 29, 2009 4:02 PM
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slammie said:

Only 9? HMMMM wonder when they are gonna get into the illegals collecting all kinds of stuff they aren't entitiled to? What a joke 9 people. Watch this whole issue fade away.

Link | May 29, 2009 4:36 PM
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LEC said:

Jail time and make them pay back whatever they stole. There are people who have worked hard all their lives and now are out of a job and need a helping hand. How dare these people take that away from those that are in need. I hope they rot in jail.

Link | May 29, 2009 4:57 PM
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Linda said:

No kidding, and these people are probably wondering why the state is in the mess it is in. What idiots!!

Link | May 29, 2009 4:59 PM
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David Valedofsky said:

Unemployment cheats right here in Rhode Island? Next we'll be told that welfare frauds abound as well.

Link | May 29, 2009 7:09 PM
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