Darmani Hawkins, a 21-year-old from Aurora, has been sentenced to 60 months in federal prison for his involvement in two distinct fraud schemes. These schemes specifically targeted COVID-19-era unemployment benefits and the U.S. Postal Service.
After pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and mail fraud, conspiracy to commit bank fraud, and mail theft, Hawkins was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Donald Nugent.
Hawkins has been ordered to pay $681,114.14 in restitution and will be serving three years of supervised release after his imprisonment.
Hawkins was involved in fraudulent activities from 2020 to 2023, aimed at illegally acquiring pandemic unemployment benefits and stealing checks from the mail, as stated in court documents.
Hawkins and his co-conspirators took advantage of the first scheme, which aimed to provide assistance to those who lost their jobs due to COVID-related shutdowns under the CARES Act.
They deceitfully filed unemployment applications across various states, dishonestly asserting their eligibility for benefits.
After receiving approval, states proceeded to send out unemployment benefits to recipients in the form of debit cards. Hawkins and other individuals then utilized these cards to withdraw cash for their personal needs.
Approximately $425,000 was lost as a result of the scheme.
Hawkins employed a social media platform in the second scheme to enlist postal workers to pilfer checks from the U.S. Postal Service in return for compensation.
He also enlisted individuals to deposit the stolen checks into their bank accounts, allowing Hawkins to withdraw or receive funds. This fraudulent check scheme resulted in losses exceeding $700,000.
According to U.S. Attorney Rebecca Lutzko for the Northern District of Ohio, Mr. Hawkins shamelessly took advantage of federal resources that were meant to assist individuals who had lost their jobs due to an uncontrollable and life-altering global event. His deceptive actions were self-centered and lacking in empathy, as they diverted essential funds away from those who had become unemployed through no fault of their own.
“He not only manipulated others into stealing checks and exploiting our banking system in an insatiable pursuit of quick profits, but also took advantage of federal safety nets designed to aid the less fortunate. Individuals like Mr. Hawkins, who try to profit from the misfortunes of others by abusing government resources meant for the needy and unlawfully taking from taxpayers and private individuals, will be held accountable and face the consequences of their actions.”
Lesley Allison, the Postal Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Pittsburgh Division, emphasized the significance of Mr. Hawkins’ sentencing. She stated that it should serve as a clear warning to anyone who thinks they can manipulate government programs designed to assist the American public during challenging times. Postal inspectors are committed to safeguarding the public and ensuring that the mail is not criminally misused. Allison expressed appreciation for the collaboration with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and other law enforcement agencies involved in holding Mr. Hawkins accountable for his actions.
The U.S. Department of Labor, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General, and the FBI Cleveland Division conducted an investigation into the case. Assistant United States Attorney Erica Barnhill was responsible for prosecuting the case.