CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Investigators with the state Division of Corrections have uncovered a scheme involving dozens of inmates who were trying to get CARES Act stimulus checks from the federal government.
In a Thursday news release, division officials said investigators have identified 125 inmates who attempted to apply for the checks, which for most people have been for $1,200. Inmates, who are considered dependents of the government, are not eligible for the money.
The Division of Corrections said 59 of the 125 inmates seeking the checks are serving life sentences for first-degree murder. The others have lengthy sentences for other crimes.
The IRS sent out a bulletin Monday calling for all CARES checks sent to inmates to be returned.