BREAKING: A major scandal is unfolding in Los Angeles County as 24 county employees are accused of defrauding the state’s unemployment system for over $740,000. Eleven individuals have been officially charged with felony grand theft, as confirmed by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office earlier today.
The allegations surfaced following an investigation that revealed fraudulent claims were made between 2020 and 2023, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite being employed with salaries exceeding $3,000 per month, these employees falsely claimed to be unemployed to receive benefits they were ineligible for.
District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman stated, “My office will continue relentlessly rooting out fraud and prosecuting government employees who steal from the public they serve.” Among the accused is Georgette McKinney, a supervising child support specialist, who allegedly misappropriated more than $132,000 using both her identity and 28 fictitious ones.
The financial impact of this scandal is staggering. The Los Angeles County has reimbursed the state for the fraudulent claims, with estimates from the Auditor-Controller’s office suggesting the county may have lost upwards of $3.5 million due to various schemes, including those executed by its own employees.
Several of the defendants have already been arraigned and pleaded not guilty, with preliminary hearings scheduled to begin in early December 2026. County officials urge residents to report any suspicious activities to the Los Angeles County Fraud Hotline as they work to restore public trust.
This situation highlights a significant breach of public trust, particularly during a time when governmental and societal systems were already under immense strain. The ramifications of these allegations extend beyond financial loss; they underscore critical failures in the civic responsibility of public servants.
As this story develops, it raises essential questions about how Los Angeles County will address and prevent future fraud. The community awaits further updates as the legal process unfolds and more details are revealed. Stay tuned for ongoing coverage of this urgent and impactful story.
