Two central Ohio women have been indicted for the fraudulent release of nearly $6 million worth of Pandemic Assistance Program funds.
Officials with the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services first became suspicious while investigating a claim against Alana Hamilton, a former intermittent customer service representative for the department. Hamilton was reported for accessing claims that had been flagged as fraudulent or ineligible and approving them, which was an action she was not permitted to perform.
An investigation revealed an alleged partnership involving Hamilton and Columbus daycare owner Lasheta McClellan, who reportedly would accept payments from people to help their fraudulent pandemic aid claims be accepted. McClellan would also allegedly pay Hamilton a portion of the fees.
Both women are also accused of acting separately to assist in the release of fraudulent claims.
Hamilton and McClellan are charged with 19 counts, including theft, tampering with records, money laundering and filing incomplete, false or fraudulent tax returns.