Watch CBS News

3 Sentenced For Michigan Jobless Claim Fraud

MOUNT CLEMENS (AP) - Michigan authorities say three people have been sentenced for their role in a scheme that stole $160,000 by making fake unemployment claims for about 170 people, three of whom were serving life in prison.

All three pleaded guilty in Macomb County Circuit Court.

Attorney General Bill Schuette and Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency Director Steve announced the sentences Tuesday. They say the three defendants set up fake companies, then filed unemployment claims on behalf of imaginary employees.

Schuette says at least 16 of the fictitious workers were behind bars at the time.

Twenty-nine-year-old Jamaal Cann of Macomb County's Shelby Township has been sentenced to three to 20 years in prison. His 27-year-old wife Kellee Norfleet-Cann got 90 days in jail, and 28-year-old Darnell Bailey of Dearborn got two years' probation.

(© Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.