There is another good reason not to commit fraud from the U.S. government. The list on why not to is already long, most relevant being it is illegal. But for Jovaughn E. Turner there was a greater reason he should never have committed COVID-19 Unemployment fraud. It endangered his life. Turner’s impressive windfall from his schemes proved to be interesting to others. So interesting that Turner needed protect himself and his illicit gains, with guns and missiles. Which unfortunately he used.
From about May 2020 through September 2021, from the comfort of his apartment, Turner submitted fraudulent claims for pandemic-related benefits. Turner claimed to have worked at Wendy’s and Prime Now LLC and falsely stated that he lost his employment because of the pandemic. In fact, he only worked briefly for these employers and voluntarily abandoned both jobs. Easier to commit fraud than serve food. Along with his unemployment scheme, Turner also submitted counterfeit checks stolen from the mail.
Turners’ apartment, filled with proceeds from his schemes, was burglarized multiple times by a local gang, who wanted in on the funds. So, Turner a gun and some missiles to protect what was his. In July of 2020, Turner threw missiles at a vehicle escaping from a robbery on his apartment. No one was hurt! But on September 26, 2021, a would-be robber approached Turner outside the apartment and Turner shot and killed him. Turner certainly stopped the thief, but he also ended his schemes. On October 25, 2023, Turner was found guilty of unemployment fraud.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Teamwork at its best.
Today’s Fraud of The Day is based on article “Convicted Felon Sentenced for Pandemic Fraud, Firearm offense” published by WAVY.com on October 26, 2023
A Hampton man was sentenced to two years in prison for his role in a fraud conspiracy as well as illegally possessing firearms as a convicted felon, according to a release.
On Sept. 26, 2021, 21-year-old Jovaughn E. Turner shot and killed a man in self-defense after the individual approached Turner and revealed a gun. Turner was not allowed to possess a firearm due to being convicted of shooting or throwing missiles at a vehicle in July 2020, and still being on probation.
