Beverly Ashbaugh, a 51-year-old resident of Martinsburg, West Virginia, has confessed to committing wire fraud concerning COVID-19 funding. The admission relates to claims Ashbaugh made for Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) following disruptions to her employment in March 2020 due to the pandemic. Despite returning to work, Ashbaugh continued to claim PEUC benefits, amounting to nearly $30,000 in fraudulent funds.
Ashbaugh's actions could result in a sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison. The final sentence will be determined by a federal district court judge, who will take into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other legal factors.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Salem. Workforce West Virginia played a role in the investigation of the fraudulent activities. The proceedings were overseen by U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble.