Thief jailed for Covid wage subsidy fraud using ten identities, including that of a dead man

Letchford posed as a sole trader to receive the subsidies. During this time he was unemployed and on welfare, and he spent large sums of the money in cash and at the Christchurch Casino.

He pleaded guilty to four counts of fraudulently using documents for successful Covid wage subsidy claims. He admitted one further count for the unsuccessful claims, which was representative.

The fifth charge represents the ten identities he used.

Judge Tom Gilbert sentenced Letchford to 12 months in prison – in addition to the time he is already serving for burglary – and ordered him to pay compensation upon his release.

“In my view, $28,000 is not realistic, but I will impose $5,000 in damages,” Judge Gilbert said.

During the pandemic, the Covid Wage Subsidy Scheme was introduced to help businesses and self-employed people continue to pay their employees.

“Unfortunately, a few people have recognised the opportunity to essentially obtain money fraudulently,” said Judge Gilbert at the sentencing hearing in Letchford.

Information to the Herald from the Ministry of Social Development revealed that Letchford is one of 27 people facing prosecution for Covid wage subsidy fraud.

Of these, only three have repaid the stolen money, totaling $255,451. Five are currently in prison and have been ordered to pay upon their release.

47 cases are still pending in court.

The worst offender so far is Auckland man Casey John Burt Smith.

Smith submitted a total of 43 applications for wage subsidies and holiday assistance totaling $234,462.

He was granted five of these requests, but was wrongfully awarded $26,946.80. He was sentenced to 27 months and 2 weeks in prison.

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