July 11, 2016
Las Vegas, NV – Nevada Attorney General Adam Paul Laxalt announced that Deanna Kay Owsley, 49, a former resident of Henderson, was sentenced for defrauding the state of Nevada’s unemployment insurance system. As part of the sentencing, Owsley was convicted on one count of unemployment insurance fraud, a category “B” felony.
Between November 2011 and May 2013, Owsley filed for 37 weeks of unemployment insurance benefits. The Nevada Employment Security Division, charged with administering unemployment insurance claims, subsequently discovered that Owsley had knowingly failed to properly report her income. Payroll records uncovered Owsley’s actual earnings while employed at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino during the time she was filing claims. As a result of the fraud, Owsley wrongfully obtained benefits in the amount of $13,607.
“Individuals who defraud the State by collecting unemployment insurance benefits deprive those truly in need of these services and Nevada’s taxpayers in the process,” said Laxalt. “Those who attempt to abuse the program for personal gain will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, and this case--where my Office obtained full restitution--is no exception.”
Eighth Judicial District Court Judge Michelle Leavitt ordered Owsley to repay $13,607 to the state of Nevada. Owsley was also placed on probation and faces a prison sentence if she fails to comply.
This case was investigated by the Employment Security Division of the Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation. Senior Deputy Attorney General Roger R. Madsen is prosecuting this case.
To view the criminal Information against Owsley, click here. To file a complaint concerning someone suspected of committing fraud, click here.
OWSLEY, DEANNA KAY
(Photo courtesy of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department)
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