Rochelle Pasley, a resident of Citrus Heights, has admitted to her role in a scheme that defrauded over $1 million from the California Employment Development Department (EDD). Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith confirmed that Pasley pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail fraud, mail fraud, and aggravated identity theft.
Court documents reveal that between June and December 2020, Pasley and Deshawn Oshaea Campbell conspired to file false unemployment claims with the EDD under the CARES Act's Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program. They used stolen identities to submit these claims, falsely asserting job loss due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of these individuals did not live in California and were not eligible for such benefits.
The fraudulent applications included mailing addresses controlled by the defendants or their acquaintances. EDD approved over 50 of these claims, leading Bank of America to issue debit cards loaded with benefits. The defendants then withdrew cash from ATMs across California and made purchases for personal gain.
The investigation was conducted by several agencies including the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General, and EDD – Investigation Division. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica Delaney and Justin Lee.
Pasley's sentencing is set for June 26, 2025, before U.S. District Judge Daniel J. Calabretta. She faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine per count for conspiracy and mail fraud, along with a mandatory two-year sentence for aggravated identity theft. The final sentence will be determined based on statutory factors and Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Deshawn Oshaea Campbell also faces charges related to this case but remains presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.