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Illinois Fraud Case Oct. 23: 2 Accused in $4.6M COVID Scheme
Chicago, IL – Two Chicago residents face federal fraud charges after prosecutors alleged they manipulated unemployment benefit records to obtain approximately $4.68 million in COVID era relief payment
By Natalie Rhodes · 2026-10-21T20:06:06.501Z
Chicago, IL – Two Chicago residents face federal fraud charges after prosecutors alleged they manipulated unemployment benefit records to obtain approximately $4.68 million in COVID era relief payments for hundreds of applicants, with another court hearing scheduled for Friday, Oct. 23.
According to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Illinois, an indictment announced Monday, Oct. 19, charges Andrea Wellington, 35, and Randall Easley, 38, in an alleged scheme involving the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program.
Former Contractor Employee Accused of Manipulating Records
Federal prosecutors allege Wellington previously worked as a customer service representative for a company subcontracted by the Illinois Department of Employment Security.
Her position reportedly provided access to the state's unemployment assistance system.
Investigators allege that during fall 2021, after Wellington's employment ended, she and Easley accessed the system and fraudulently increased wage histories for hundreds of applicants.
The alleged modifications caused approximately $4,680,582 in unemployment benefits to be distributed to recipients who were not entitled to those amounts, according to prosecutors.
Authorities further allege the defendants received thousands of dollars from applicants in exchange for modifying their wage records.
Federal Charges and Upcoming Court Hearing
Wellington faces 21 counts of wire fraud, while Easley faces 14 counts.
Both defendants appeared in federal court Oct. 8 and pleaded not guilty.
A status hearing is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 23, at 10 a.m. before U.S. District Judge Elaine E. Bucklo.
Each wire fraud count carries a potential maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison if convicted.
The investigation involved the FBI, Department of Labor Office of Inspector General and U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
Federal officials emphasized that the indictment contains allegations, not findings of guilt.
Both defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.