A St. Joseph woman was sentenced in federal court today (Thursday) for using the stolen identities of prison inmates to fraudulently obtain federal unemployment benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic.

39-year-old Brooke Stewart was sentenced to 2.5 years in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Stewart to pay over 139-thousand dollars in restitution to the Missouri Department of Employment Security as well as a $50 fine.

Stewart pleaded guilty this past May to one count of stealing government funds. She admitted to facilitating the filing of false claims for unemployment benefits by using the stolen I.D. of five people who were incarcerated in state or federal prison.

Stewart also fraudulently received federal unemployment benefits in her own name as well as another person.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653823187015.jpeg" alt="Brooke Stewart." />
 <figcaption>Brooke Stewart.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostA St. Joseph woman was sentenced in federal court today (Thursday) for using the stolen identities of prison inmates to fraudulently obtain federal unemployment benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic.39-year-old Brooke Stewart was sentenced to 2.5 years in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Stewart to pay over 139-thousand dollars in restitution to the Missouri Department of Employment Security as well as a $50 fine.Stewart pleaded guilty this past May to one count of stealing government funds. She admitted to facilitating the filing of false claims for unemployment benefits by using the stolen I.D. of five people who were incarcerated in state or federal prison.Stewart also fraudulently received federal unemployment benefits in her own name as well as another person.

St. Joseph woman sentenced for COVID unemployment fraud scheme