Ex-State Employee: Shanell Angelia West, a former clerk for the Maryland Department of Labor, has pleaded guilty to felony theft and insurance fraud in two separate cases. Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown revealed that West’s offenses began during her tenure with the department and continued even after her dismissal.
Theft of State Funds
Ex-State Employee: In the first case, West confessed to orchestrating a theft scheme valued between $1,500 and $25,000. While employed at the Maryland Department of Labor, she altered checks intended for the state and redirected the funds to her personal bank accounts. Investigators discovered that West, even after her termination, continued depositing forged checks obtained during her employment.
Fraudulent Insurance Claim
The second case involved a false insurance claim. West asserted she had lost wages due to a car accident and filed for compensation. However, records revealed she had already been terminated from her state position in 2022, well before the timeframe she claimed to have missed work.
Attorney General’s Commentary
Attorney General Brown condemned West’s actions, calling them a betrayal of public trust. “Ms. West’s conduct not only exploited state resources but also undermined the integrity of public service. These cases underscore the importance of vigilance in safeguarding taxpayer dollars.”
Upcoming Sentencing
West is set to be sentenced on December 6 in the Circuit Court for Baltimore County. These cases highlight the importance of rigorous oversight in preventing financial misconduct, particularly within public institutions.
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Source: Maryland Attorney General’s Office
Read the official release here.
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