POST FALLS, Idaho – A Post Falls man was sentenced for fraud related to an unemployment benefits insurance scheme.
In the Spring of 2020, Jimmy Winebrenner, 79, of Post Falls, received unemployment benefits cards from various state agencies, the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Idaho said. These agencies include the Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation (DETR).
The cards were preloaded debit cards with unemployment funds and issued in another person’s name. Winebrenner obtained $14,830 using a debit card in someone else’s name form an ATM in Coeur d’Alene.
According to the Attorney’s Office, Winebrenner obtained these funds intending to defraud.
The Attorney’s Office said that between July and August 2020, Winebrenner obtained $81,180 from Nevada DETR debit cards issued in other persons’ names.
Winebrenner will serve five years of probation and was sentenced to pay $81,180 in restitution to the Nevada DETR.
