Valdosta Man Sentenced to 6 Years in Prison for Pandemic Unemployment Fraud

Isaac Camon, a 49-year-old resident of Valdosta, Georgia, was sentenced to 72 months in federal prison for illegally obtaining money from a pandemic unemployment program. The sentence, handed down on March 14 by U.S. District Judge Tilman E. “Tripp” Self, III, includes 36 months for wire fraud and another 36 months for violating the terms of his supervised release. Camon will also face three years of supervised release following his prison term, with no possibility of parole.

The case underscores the severity with which authorities are addressing instances of fraud related to pandemic relief funds. U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary stated, “Our office has prosecuted individuals responsible for millions of dollars of CARES Act fraud, money earmarked to help sustain hard-working and law-abiding citizens during the historic pandemic. Working with our law enforcement partners, our office will continue to root out fraud and hold individuals accountable for these criminal schemes.”

Camon’s actions drew strong condemnation from law enforcement officials. Rich Bilson, Supervisory Senior Resident of FBI Atlanta’s Valdosta office, remarked, “Camon clearly has no regard for the law, as he decided to defraud the State of Georgia during a national emergency while he was still serving time for drug trafficking. This lengthy sentence demonstrates the FBI’s relentless pursuit of justice and will hopefully put an end to Camon’s career as a criminal.”

According to court documents, Camon filed a fraudulent claim for federal and state pandemic unemployment assistance with the Georgia Department of Labor on June 16, 2020. Despite being incarcerated at the time for drug trafficking and gun convictions, Camon falsely claimed to have worked for two companies during the period in question. Investigations revealed that one of the companies Camon listed was not operational during the time he claimed to have been employed.

Camon’s fraudulent activities resulted in an intended loss of $19,452, with a restitution amount of $16,322 payable to the Georgia Department of Labor. His sentencing serves as a warning that authorities will continue to aggressively pursue those who attempt to exploit relief programs meant to aid individuals and businesses during times of crisis.