Matthew Hong, a former economist for the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), admitted guilt in U.S. District Court for making false statements regarding sick leave compensation. During the COVID-19 pandemic, while falsely claiming sick leave from BLS, Hong engaged in remote work for a private company.
U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr., along with other federal officials, made the announcement. Hong confessed to a single count of false statements, facing a possible maximum sentence of five years in prison. The sentencing is set for July 17. The final sentence will consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other relevant factors.
Court records reveal that from April 2020 to July 2023, Hong worked on the Current Employment Statistics program at BLS, which involved handling sensitive employment and unemployment data. This data, if disclosed prematurely, could influence financial markets. In June 2022, Hong commenced full-time employment at a New York-based global financial institution as a senior associate, where he created macroeconomic forecasts.
Hong falsified entries in the BLS time and attendance system over 55 times between June 2022 and July 2023. He claimed to be sick and secured over $13,300 in sick leave payments while actually working for the financial institution.
The investigation is being conducted by the FBI Washington Field Office and the U.S. Department of Labor - Office of Inspector General. The prosecution is led by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Rami Sibay and Trial Attorney Matthew F. Sullivan, with assistance from Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kathryn Rakoczy and Maria Vento.