Attorney General Peter F. Kilmartin announced that Rocco Barone, age 41, with a last known address of 55 Garden Street, Pawtucket, pleaded nolo contendere today before Providence Superior Court Justice Kristen E. Rodgers to one count of obtaining money under false pretenses for collecting more than $20,000 in unemployment insurance benefits while he was employed.
Barone was sentenced to 10 years probation and ordered to pay full restitution in the amount of $20,774 to the State of Rhode Island.
Had the case proceeded to trial, the State was prepared to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that between January 1, 2011 and June 30, 2013, Barone failed to accurately report his weekly earnings to the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training (RI DLT) when he called in to the RI DLT Teleserve voice response system to authorize his weekly unemployment benefits. While Barone was collecting unemployment benefits, he was working for Alpine Country Club in Cranston.
"My Office will continue to work hand in hand with our partners at the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training to root out fraud," said Attorney General Peter F. Kilmartin. "For the many out of work Rhode Islanders who depend on unemployment insurance benefits, this program is a crucial safety net. It is imperative that the program be preserved for those who truly need it. I hope this sends a strong message that anyone who tries to defraud the system will be caught and prosecuted."
The case was initiated by RI DLT fraud investigator Claribel A. Terrero and then referred to the Rhode Island State Police. The investigation was led by Detective Kevin Kojoian of the Rhode Island State Police. Special Assistant Attorney General Carole L. McLaughlin prosecuted the case on behalf of the Office of Attorney General and the State of Rhode Island.