Former USC Linebacker Pleads Guilty in Pandemic Unemployment Fraud
- Litigation Corporate Law
Rochdi Rais- 0
- 2 minutes read
Abdul-Malik McClain, a former linebacker for the University of Southern California, pled guilty to fraudulently seeking over $1 million in pandemic-era unemployment benefits. The USC Pandemic Unemployment case has drawn significant attention, highlighting how some exploited emergency relief programs.
Guilty Plea and Charges
McClain pled guilty to one count of mail fraud Monday in Los Angeles federal court. He was initially charged in 2021 with 10 counts of mail fraud and two counts of aggravated identity theft. This case exemplifies how individuals took advantage of government assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Instead of using his time at a major university to advance his athletic and academic life, this defendant took advantage of a public health emergency to fraudulently obtain government benefits,” said U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada for the Central District of California.
McClain’s counsel did not immediately respond to requests for comment. He is due to be sentenced on Sept. 16.
Fraudulent Scheme
Prosecutors allege that McClain fraudulently filed for unemployment benefits under the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program, which was set up by Congress in response to mass unemployment early in the COVID-19 pandemic. McClain also helped other players submit fraudulent claims using false information about prior jobs and job-seeking efforts.
The government authorized Bank of America to mail debit cards loaded with benefits to McClain and other applicants. These cards, preloaded with amounts ranging from a few hundred dollars to thousands, were used by McClain and others to make cash withdrawals at ATMs for personal expenses.
The fraudulent applications sought about $1 million in unemployment benefits and succeeded in obtaining $283,000, according to prosecutors.
The government is represented by Kerry Quinn and Sarah Lee of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California. McClain is represented by Justin Palmer of Filer Palmer LLP.
