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For Immediate Release
April 30, 2012

Contact:
Tara Reardon, Commissioner
New Hampshire Employment Security
(603) 228-4000

Michael Monti Guilty of Unemployment Insurance Fraud

On Tuesday, March 13, 2012, Michael Monti of Laconia pleaded guilty in Carroll Superior Court to a felony charge of fraud by nondisclosure in violation of the New Hampshire Unemployment Compensation Statute. He was sentenced to 12 months in the House of Corrections and ordered to make restitution of $12,665. All but 2 days of imprisonment were deferred for a period of one year conditioned upon good behavior, arranging and complying with a plan for payment of restitution through the New Hampshire Department of Employment Security (NHES), and meaningful participation in and completion of any counseling, treatment and educational programs as directed by the correctional authority or Probation/Parole Officer. Additionally, criminal convictions under the Unemployment Compensation Statute disqualify an applicant from receiving benefits for 52 weeks following the conviction.

Mr. Monti began lawfully collecting unemployment benefits after becoming unemployed. After returning to work, he continued filing for benefits without disclosing his new employment. Unemployment fraud is frequently discovered when NHES computers compare the information claimants list on weekly applications for benefits to the quarterly wage reports filed by their employers. This includes reports of persons who may be collecting benefits fraudulently in New Hampshire while they are employed in other states. NHES also receives monthly reports of all individuals newly hired in New Hampshire and nationwide.

The New Hampshire Department of Employment Security is aggressively seeking convictions in cases involving the fraudulent receipt of unemployment compensation benefits. "We are committed to providing unemployment benefits to those who are eligible for them;" said Commissioner Reardon, "but the small minority of recipients who are dishonest face serious consequences."

Suspected unemployment insurance fraud may be reported by calling 1-800-852-3400 ext. 34016 or (603) 228-4016, or by going to Report Potential Unemployment Insurance Fraud.

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New Hampshire Employment Security (NHES)
45 South Fruit Street  |  Concord NH 03301  |  603-224-3311  |  1-800-852-3400
TDD Access: Relay NH 1-800-735-2964