Jacqueline Espino, a Phoenix resident, has admitted guilt to bribery concerning a federally funded program. Her sentencing is set for May 5, 2025, before United States District Judge Michael T. Liburdi. In another case, Brandilyn Lorenzen from Gilbert received a 30-month prison sentence on January 22, 2025, by United States District Judge Diane J. Humetewa for the same charge. Lorenzen was also instructed to pay over $2.9 million in restitution after pleading guilty on November 6, 2024.
Both Espino and Lorenzen worked as adjudicators for the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES), where they evaluated unemployment insurance (UI) and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) claims. During the pandemic between 2020 and 2022, they accepted bribes to approve claims for unqualified individuals and embezzled significant funds from DES.
“These defendants didn’t just accept bribes,” said United States Attorney Gary Restaino. “When public employees cheat, they damage the credibility of their colleagues across the country.”
DHS Inspector General Joseph V. Cuffari emphasized that government employees are expected to maintain the integrity of aid programs: “Those who betray that trust will be held accountable.”
Espino confessed to accepting bribes related to nine UI/PUA claims, resulting in improper payments of $140,298 by DES. She also embezzled $600,672 during this period. Similarly, Lorenzen admitted receiving bribes linked to 24 claims with DES improperly paying $532,964 and embezzling $2,461,520 herself.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S Department of Homeland Security's Office of Inspector General and the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aron Ketchel handled prosecution duties.