Defendant: Juan Vega (DOB 05/16/78) of Greenwich, CT

Oct. 30, 2018 -- Westchester County District Attorney Anthony A. Scarpino, Jr. announced another arrest in an ongoing investigation into unemployment insurance benefits fraud. Another man was arrested and arraigned today for filing false New York State unemployment claims in White Plains, thereby defrauding the NYS Department of Labor (DOL) and the people of New York State out of thousands of dollars in payments. The DOL initiated the investigation, enlisted Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in New York, and referred the cases to the District Attorney’s Office for this joint investigation.

Juan Vega is charged with one count of Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the First Degree, a class E felony, with intent to defraud the state.

Vega was arraigned in White Plains City Court because the fraud allegedly was committed at the NYS Unemployment Career Center on Bloomingdale Road in White Plains. He was released on his own recognizance. His next court appearance is scheduled for Nov. 16, 2018.

Vega is a seasonally employed cook who, at the time of the alleged theft, worked at the now-closed Elmwood Country Club in White Plains. The felony complaint alleges Vega arranged to receive benefits while spending much of his off-work “winter” season out of the country. HSI was able to confirm his travels. His certifications of unemployment were false because he concealed that he was actually living outside the U.S. during periods each year from February 2015 to April 2017. Vega received unemployment insurance benefits of approximately $13,165.

In connection with the same investigation, these defendants were arraigned Oct. 24, 2018:

  • Jeremias Lara (DOB 08/25/65) of Mount Kisco
  • Pedro Santana (DOB 09/21/61) of Yonkers
  • Ivan Vacacela (03/15/80) of Yonkers

Agency Statements (from first arrests/Release Oct. 24)
DA Scarpino said, “Unemployment benefits are a lifeline for those out of work in situations beyond their control, but, they are not free. Anyone seeking unemployment insurance must follow the rules. These defendants did not. They broke the law. Our teams of investigators and Assistant District Attorneys work closely with the New York State Department of Labor to bring to justice those who would steal funds from the state, and all of us, by taking money that does not belong to them. Our colleagues at Homeland Security Investigations in New York are important partners in confirming these defendants were not in the United States and therefore taking benefits they did not deserve.”

NYS Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon said, “Under Governor Cuomo, New York State has a zero-tolerance policy for the theft of important safety net benefits. I thank Westchester County District Attorney Anthony A. Scarpino, Jr. for working with us to bring these perpetrators to justice. I also applaud the dedicated Department of Labor staff that detected this fraud. Let this case serve as a warning to those who would seek to defraud the UI system: you will be brought to justice.”

“These individuals are alleged to have defrauded NY State out of thousands of dollars in unemployment benefits,” said Edward V. Owens, Deputy Special Agent In Charge of HSI New York. “HSI will continue to work with the Westchester County DA and its law enforcement partners to investigate these crimes and bring the perpetrators to justice.”

The cases are being prosecuted by the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office Investigations Division Economic Crimes Bureau.

police photo of Juan Vega

Juan Vega

 In compliance with the Rules of Professional Conduct, Rule 3.6, you are advised that a charge is merely an accusation and that a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

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