Nora Springs man sentenced for unemployment benefits fraud

By Bob Steenson, bsteenson@charlescitypress.com

A Nora Springs man has been given a suspended prison sentence and placed on probation after pleading guilty to stealing almost $10,000 in unemployment insurance benefits by defrauding the state.

Michael A. Todd, age 59, was charged with fraudulent practice in the second degree, a Class D felony, for receiving 34 weeks of unemployment benefits he was not entitled to, totalling $9,324 from Iowa Workforce Development between February 2018 and June 2019.

Earlier this month, Todd filed a written plea of guilty on the charge and sentencing was set for last Friday, June 19, in Floyd County District Court.

At the sentencing, District Court Judge Peter Newell followed the sentencing guidelines recommended by the Floyd County Attorney’s Office as part of the plea agreement.

He sentenced Todd to up to five years in prison and a $750 fine, both suspended, and placed him on three to five years of probation.

Newell also ordered Todd to repay the state the $9,324 he illegally received, plus an additional 15% penalty of $1,399 that is required by state law for fraudulently receiving unemployment benefits.