Story perspectives

Georgia Men Sentenced for $17 Million COVID Fraud Scheme

12/12/2025

Summary

Story summary

Malcolm Jeffrey and Gerard Towns, Georgia men, were sentenced for defrauding the Georgia Department of Labor of more than $17 million in COVID unemployment benefits.
Malcolm Jeffrey received a 10-year sentence and must pay $16.9 million in restitution.
Gerard Towns was sentenced to six years and must pay $365,066.
The scheme used fictitious employers and stolen identities.
Investigations continue; victims should report suspicious unemployment claims to state unemployment offices.

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Story summary

Malcolm Jeffrey and Gerard Towns, Georgia men, were sentenced for defrauding the Georgia Department of Labor of more than $17 million in COVID unemployment benefits.
Malcolm Jeffrey received a 10-year sentence and must pay $16.9 million in restitution.
Gerard Towns was sentenced to six years and must pay $365,066.
The scheme used fictitious employers and stolen identities.
Investigations continue; victims should report suspicious unemployment claims to state unemployment offices.