You are reading

Queens Man Who Allegedly Filed $150K in Bogus Unemployment Claims Busted

iStock

Sept. 10, 2021 By Christian Murray

A 21-year-old Far Rockaway man who allegedly filed bogus claims to collect more than $150,000 in unemployment insurance has been indicted on grand larceny charges, the Queens District Attorney’s office announced Thursday.

Keijohn Graham, of Hanson Court in Far Rockaway, allegedly bilked the system by illegally tapping into the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program authorized under the CARES Act. He allegedly filed fraudulent claims using the names of 13 unknown individuals.

Graham, who faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted, was slapped with a 68-count indictment in Queens County Supreme Court charging him with grand larceny, identity theft, falsifying business records, criminal possession of stolen property and filing false documents. He was arraigned Thursday and ordered to return to court Nov. 30.

“This worldwide health pandemic has been devastating and led to millions of Americans losing their jobs. As alleged, this defendant saw this additional support for the needy as an opportunity to fill his own pockets,” said Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz. “This fraud during the pandemic costs our country, and our state, billions of dollars.”

Graham was arrested back in March after authorities conducted a court-authorized search of his home and seized numerous documents and credit cards, including 13 Dept. of Labor benefit debit cards. The fraud allegedly took place between October 2020 and March 2021.

“We have zero tolerance for thieves,” said NY Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon. “Stealing from a system that is providing a lifeline to New Yorkers in need is unconscionable and doing it during a public health crisis is unforgivable.”

email the author: news@queenspost.com
No comments yet

Leave a Comment
Reply to this Comment

All comments are subject to moderation before being posted.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Recent News

Verbal dispute escalates to gunfire on Ozone Park street: NYPD

Police from the 106th Precinct are looking for a gunman who opened fire on a quiet residential block in Ozone Park broad daylight after arguing with an unknown individual on the afternoon of Friday, June 6.

The suspect became involved in a beef with the other person in front of a home at 103-35 105th Street at the corner of 103rd Drive, a block north of Liberty Avenue, just before 4:30 p.m. As the verbal dispute intensified, the perpetrator pulled out a firearm and discharged it multiple times before running off down 105th Street. There were no injuries reported as a result of the shooting, and what triggered the argument between the gunman and the other person has not been disclosed, according to a police spokesman.

Outdoor bars and beer gardens to enjoy this summer in Queens

Jun. 11, 2025 By Jessica Militello

With sunsets past 8 p.m. and temperatures on the rise, now is the perfect time to grab a drink or a bite outdoors and soak in the sights and sounds of Queens. Whether you’re catching up with friends after work or planning a weekend brunch, the borough is filled with beer gardens, rooftop lounges, and patio spots to make the most of the season.

Moped rider struck and killed in South Ozone Park chain-reaction hit-and-run by wrong-way driver: NYPD

A moped rider from Ozone Park was struck and killed during a chain reaction hit-and-run crash after he was struck by a mystery vehicle in South Ozone Park on the night of Tuesday, June 10.

Police from the 106th Precinct in South Ozone Park responded to a 911 call of a vehicle collision at the intersection of 121st Street and 149th Avenue just after 10 p.m. and found the injured rider lying on the roadway.