NK Woman Charged With Fraudulently Collecting $41,000 in Unemployment Benefits

Sixteen Rhode Islanders are facing felony charges from the State Police after fraudulently collecting $162,226 in unemployment benefits combined. The Rhode Island State Police, in conjunction with officials for the state's Department of Labor and Traning (DLT), made the arrests Tuesday as part of an ongoing effort by the two departments to prosecute those who obtain unemployment benefits falsely from the state.

"Once again, the excellent work of the State Police has shown all Rhode Islanders that we take the issue of unemployment insurance fraud very seriously," said DLT Director Charles Fogarty.

Topping the list is Ellen G. Becote, 54, of 131 Mitola Drive in North Kingstown, who allegedly collected $41,921 in unemployment benefits under false pretenses. Coming in a distant second is Roger Boutin of Providence with $15,095.

"The State Police will continue its vigilance in pursuing those who take advantage of a system that is designed to assist them, especially during these difficult economic times," said Colonel Steven. G. O'Donnell, superintendent of the RI State Police and commissioner of the Department of Public Safety.

The 16 arrested were all arraigned on felony charges of obtaining money under false pretenses over $500 and released on personal recognizance. Below is a complete list of those facing prosecution from the state following Tuesday's bust.

• Cara A. Stifano, age 39, of 19 Watkins Avenue, Cranston, RI - $9,085.00
• Antonio P. Varela, age 26, of 432 Lonsdale Avenue, Pawtucket, RI - $5,343.00
• Dennis P. Kelly, age 51, of 485 Douglas Pike Apt. 36, Smithfield, RI - $5,861.00
• Tara L. Mellow, age 39, of 471 Water Street, Portsmouth, RI - $10,895.00
• Belinda Meyer, age 30, of 106 Bouvier Avenue, Lincoln, RI - $9,122.00
• Michael S. Goldman, age 24, of 9 Scandia Avenue, Warwick, RI - $10,839.00
• Roger P. Boutin, age 48, of 291 Killingly Street, Providence, RI - $15,095.00
• Anthony G. Caprio, age 63, of 162 Bracken Street, Cranston, RI – $5,793.00
• Daniel T. Long, age 32, of 136 Custer Street, Warwick, RI - $6,315.00
• Noel E. Garcia, age 26, of 957 Cranston Street, Cranston, RI - $5,690.00
• Ellen G. Becote, age 54, of 131 Mitola Drive, North Kingstown, RI - $41,921.00
• Joseph Saunders, age 48, of 59 John H. Chafee Boulevard, Newport, RI - $10,025.00
• Gerlo Leone, age 35, of 70 Dunnell Avenue Apt. 2, Pawtucket, RI - $5,800.00
• Irene Salazar, age 41, of 631 Daggett Avenue, Pawtucket, RI - $5,366.00
• Louis Montecalvo, age 54, of 151 Ocean Road Apt. 2, Narragansett, RI - $8,942.00
• Nicholson S. Gomes, age 33, of 194 Salina Street, Providence, RI - $6,134.00

Employers wishing to report unemployment insurance fraud should contact the DLT's fraud unit at 401-462-1522.