N.H. man indicted in $36G unemployment fraud case

CONCORD - A East Hampstead man has been indicted in Rockingham County Superior Court on one count of unemployment compensation fraud, a class A felony.

The state alleges that over the course of 51 weeks between May 2, 2020, and April 17, 2021, that Wayne P. Hamilton o knowingly failed to disclose his employment and earnings with Taylor Communications and Schwan's Consumer Brands to the Department of Employment Security, in order to obtain or increase his unemployment compensation benefits.

Hamilton allegedly submitted a weekly continued claim form 51 times, and answered "No" to the question: "Last week, did you work or perform services? This includes just starting a new job, working part-time employment, or working for yourself, regardless of whether you have received payment," and further failed to report the hours he did work and wages he earned.

As a result, Hamilton received $36,177.00 in unemployment compensation benefits, including enhanced federal benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic, to which he was not entitled.

Hamilton's arraignment is scheduled for Sept. 16, 2022 in Rockingham County Superior Court.

To report possible unemployment fraud, call 1-800-852-3400, or use the online form at: https://business.nh.gov/NCharge/NHES/default.asp?form_name=InsuranceFraud .