A Pontiac man has admitted to fraudulently obtaining over $4 million in Pandemic Unemployment Assistance funds through a complex identity theft and wire fraud scheme. Acting United States Attorney Julie A. Beck announced that Terrance Calhoun Jr., age 36, entered a guilty plea to charges of aggravated identity theft, wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and possessing unauthorized access devices.
Along with co-conspirators, Calhoun used stolen personal data to file numerous false unemployment claims in Michigan, Arizona, and Maryland. These actions led to debit cards loaded with unemployment insurance funds being sent to addresses controlled by Calhoun and his associates. Nearly $1.6 million was successfully spent or withdrawn from these cards.
Acting US Attorney Beck expressed that misuse of taxpayer money directly affects those genuinely in need, emphasizing the office's dedication to pursuing and prosecuting such offenses. Megan Howell, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge at the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Inspector General, stated that protection of the integrity of the Unemployment Insurance program remains a priority.
Charles Miller, Special Agent in Charge at the IRS Criminal Investigation, highlighted the harm caused by the scheme, while reaffirming a commitment to pursue similar criminals. Likewise, Cheyvoryea Gibson of the FBI Detroit Field Office reiterated the determination to combat federal law violations.
The investigation involved multiple agencies, including the U.S. Department of Labor, IRS Criminal Investigations Division, FBI, and others. The legal proceedings against Calhoun are being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carl D. Gilmer-Hill and Jessica A. Nathan. Sentencing is set for August 27, 2025, with Calhoun facing potential sentences spanning from two years to over 20 years for various charges.
"Today’s guilty plea by Terrance Calhoun, whose involvement in a multi-state fraud scheme is a clear reminder that bad actors will be stopped, and we will ensure integrity will prevail," stated Cheyvoryea Gibson.