Pitt County Woman Pleads Guilty to Massive COVID Unemployment Fraud

WILMINGTON, N.C. — A Pitt County woman just found out the pandemic unemployment hustle comes with federal consequences.

Federal prosecutors say 51-year-old Yolanda Baker pleaded guilty to defrauding the North Carolina Department of Commerce’s Division of Employment Security (NCDES) after allegedly attempting to steal more than $365,000 in COVID-era unemployment benefits.

Federal Prosecutors Say 65 Fake Claims Were Filed

According to court documents, Baker allegedly ran the scheme between May 2020 and June 2021, submitting 65 fraudulent unemployment insurance applications at the height of the pandemic.

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Prosecutors say the applications falsely listed employment information and included fabricated supporting documents, all designed to get federal funds approved. Once approved, the money was allegedly deposited into bank accounts controlled by Baker.

And now? The bill has come due.

When she’s sentenced, Baker is facing up to 10 years in federal prison, a potential $250,000 fine, and a court-ordered forfeiture judgment of $368,022 — basically paying back every dollar prosecutors say she stole.

U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle didn’t mince words, calling the scheme a slap in the face to North Carolinians who actually needed unemployment assistance during the pandemic.

“This kind of fraud steals resources from North Carolinian citizens who needed real help during a national emergency,” said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle. “Our office will continue holding accountable those who used the pandemic as an opportunity for personal gain. We will protect taxpayer dollars and ensure that criminals who exploit public programs face serious consequences.”

While millions struggled to survive during COVID, prosecutors say Baker saw an opportunity — and now the feds say she’ll be paying for it, possibly behind bars.