SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY - On December 15, 2020, the San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office Bureau of Investigation Identity Theft Unit authored search warrants in a complex and ongoing Employment Development Department (EDD) unemployment insurance fraud and identity theft investigation that was discovered by the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Department.

Assisting with the execution and service of the search warrant were: EDD investigators, San Joaquin County Sheriff’s deputies, Manteca and Stockton police, and Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation investigators.

During the service of the search warrant, investigators discovered additional evidence of EDD fraud and seized 18 illegal firearms.

“It is imperative that investigators at local and state law enforcement departments team up to investigate unemployment insurance fraud during this critical time of need,” said California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) President Alan Barcelona.  “Likewise, those aware of fraudulent activity or those who suspect fraud, should report it.”

“The San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office Bureau of Investigations have been working to stop unemployment fraud,” said District Attorney Tori Verber Salazar. “EDD is a resource available to help many who have been adversely impacted by the pandemic. In San Joaquin County, organized crime will not be allowed to steal these resources.”

The San Joaquin County DA’s Office did not report making any arrests. This is an ongoing investigation.