The Arizona Attorney General’s Office announced the sentencing of a southern Arizona couple convicted of defrauding the state’s pandemic unemployment system.
The AG’s office announced Wednesday that David Christopher Ellis, 42, was sentenced to six years in the Arizona Department of Corrections, and his wife, Gabbrielle Elizabeth Ellis, was sentenced to seven years probation.
Both were also ordered to pay $62,151 in restitution.
The couple previously pled guilty in a Pima County courtroom to a felony fraud charge after being accused of 18 charges relating to a scam that spanned from June to August 2020.
“Those who exploit public assistance programs will be held accountable,” said AG Kris Mayes. “My office will continue to work alongside our law enforcement partners to protect Arizona taxpayers and ensure that critical safety net resources reach those who truly need them.”
According to authorities, Ellis applied for unemployment using other people’s names, including those in prison and “other unwitting victims.”
State authorities stated that they would spend the money on themselves once they distributed the rewards. Prosecutors claimed they stole more than $60,000.
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