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The Republic
Corrections & Clarifications: A headline for a previous version of this article should have made clear that the two defendants were state workers.
Two former employees with the Arizona Department of Economic Security face prison after they pled guilty to accepting bribes to approve unqualified unemployment insurance and pandemic unemployment assistance claims.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, announced on Feb. 11 that 53-year-old Jacqueline Espino of Phoenix and 48-year-old Brandilyn Lorenzen of Gilbert had accepted the bribes while embezzling large sums of money from the agency.
“These defendants didn’t just accept bribes,” U.S. Attorney Gary Restaino said in a statement. “When public employees cheat, they damage the credibility of their colleagues across the country. In a time of unprecedented attacks against the integrity of public servants, it’s important for us all to recognize the patriotic service of federal and state employees and their key role in protecting and cherishing Arizona and America.”
Both women were employed by DES as adjudicators who evaluated claims for unemployment insurance and pandemic unemployment assistance. They accepted bribes to approve claims for people who weren’t qualified to receive such assistance, the Attorney’s Office said.
“Government employees are entrusted to protect the integrity of these crucial aid programs. Those who betray that trust will be held accountable,” said U.S. Department of Homeland Security Inspector General Joseph V. Cuffari in a statement.
Lorenzen was sentenced on Jan. 22 to 30 months in prison and must pay around $2.9 million in restitution.
She admitted in her plea agreement to receiving bribes that caused DES to pay more than $532K related to 24 claims not properly adjudicated by the agency. Lorenzen also embezzled over $2.4 million in DES funds for her own use and others, according to the Attorney’s Office.
Espino pled guilty on Feb. 4 and is scheduled to be sentenced on May 5 in federal court.
She admitted in her plea agreement to receiving bribes related to nine claims which caused DES to pay over $140K. Espino also embezzled over $600K in DES funds for her own benefit and others, the Attorney’s Office confirmed.
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Publish date : 2025-02-18 00:01:00
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