California (Thechieftainspear) – Federal authorities have arrested five individuals, including a California Highway Patrol dispatcher, for allegedly orchestrating a scheme that defrauded the government of $3.3 million in unemployment benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Suspects Identified in the Case
The U.S. Attorney’s Office identified the suspects as:
- Janet Clarise Gloria Theus, 44, of Lancaster
- Diane Clarise Theus, 78, of Lancaster (Janet’s mother)
- Dailen Spears, 24, of Carson
- Erica Abson Robins, 57, of Compton (CHP dispatcher)
- Ronald Lee Robins, 62, of Compton (Erica’s husband, who was in state prison for burglary at the time of the fraud)
How the Fraud Was Committed
From April 2020 to July 2022, the group allegedly collected personal data—such as names and Social Security numbers—from unsuspecting victims and used this information to file fraudulent unemployment claims.
They reportedly submitted 293 false applications, collecting funds intended for pandemic-related job losses. At least 169 of these claims were made in the names of minors, including 106 applications for children under 10 years old. Authorities also found that 17 applications were tied to individuals who were actually in prison.
Once the fraudulent payments were issued, the suspects withdrew the funds from ATMs using bank accounts they had set up as part of the scheme, prosecutors said.
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Misuse of Law Enforcement Resources
Authorities allege that Erica Robins misused her position as a CHP dispatcher to access a law enforcement database, retrieving personal details of an inmate at a San Luis Obispo prison. That information was later used to apply for fraudulent unemployment benefits.
Meanwhile, her husband, Ronald Robins, was incarcerated at that same prison. Prosecutors say he gathered Social Security numbers and birthdates from fellow inmates, which were then passed along to Janet and Diane Theus to withdraw fraudulent funds.
Charges and Potential Sentences
On March 6, prosecutors announced that all five defendants were charged with one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud.
Additional charges include:
- Janet Theus: Four counts of bank fraud
- Diane Theus & Erica Robins: Two counts of bank fraud each
- Janet, Diane, Erica & Ronald Robins: One count of unlawful use of unauthorized access devices
If convicted, the defendants face severe penalties. Each bank fraud-related charge carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison, while the unauthorized use of access devices charge could result in an additional 10-year sentence.
Arrests and Upcoming Trial
- Erica Robins and Ronald Robins were arrested on March 6.
- Dailen Spears voluntarily surrendered that same day.
- Janet and Diane Theus turned themselves in on March 7.
The trial is scheduled to begin on April 29. Erica and Spears were released on $10,000 bond, while a detention hearing for Ronald Robins is set for March 11, as he remains in federal custody.
Reporting COVID-19 Fraud
Authorities urge anyone with information about pandemic-related fraud to contact the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or submit a report online via the NCDF Web Complaint Form .
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