DETROIT (AP) - More than 30 current or former city of Detroit employees have been charged with illegally collecting unemployment benefits.
The city’s inspector general announced results of the investigation Thursday. James Heath says nearly $400,000 was paid by the state for illegal benefits as far back as 2008.
He says 18 of the 33 people are current city employees.
The charge of giving false statements while applying for unemployment benefits is a misdemeanor. The city says it’s the ultimate loser in unemployment fraud because it must reimburse the state for benefits given to laid-off workers.
The fraud occurred in many departments, from water and recreation to finance and general services. More charges could be filed.
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