Inmates accused of applying for and receiving unemployment while in jail or prison

By: Melissa Hudson
Posted: Mar 3, 2022 2:32 PM EST

Amanda Lynn McKesson, 40, of Plymouth, Indiana was arrested on December 20, 2021. Bond is set at $1,500.00.

Ethan Wagers, 27, of Rochester, Indiana, was arrested on December 21, 2021, Bond is set at $1,500.00.

Frederick Willis, 60, is currently being held by Starke County Jail for WCC Community.

Craig Osborn, 40, of Plymouth, Indiana, was arrested on December 28, 2021. Bond is set at $3,000.00.

Matthew Keller Lowry, 33, is currently within the Westville Correctional Facility. On February 09, 2022, Mr. Matthew Lowry was found Guilty of Welfare Fraud, a Level 6 Felony.

Jeremy Spencer, 43, of Osceola, Indiana was arrested on Thursday, December 23, 2021. Bond is set at $3,000. On February 11, 2022, Jeremy Spencer was found guilty of Welfare Fraud, a Level 6 Felony.

Jolene M. Vanlaecke, 40, of Osceola, Indiana was arrested on Thursday, December 23, 2021. Bond is set at $3,000.

Jessalyn Bunch, 26, of Plymouth, Indiana is currently serving time at the Women’s Prison.
MARSHALL COUNTY, Ind. -- Eight inmates have been charged with welfare fraud for allegedly filing for unemployment benefits while incarcerated, according to the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department.

The sheriff’s department and the Indiana Department of Workforce Development learned inmates were applying for unemployment while in jail.

They were allegedly asking people to fill out the online applications and weekly vouchers to receive the funds, deputies said.

After the investigation was completed, the information was turned over to the Marshall County Prosecutor’s Office.

Each inmate has been charged with one count of welfare fraud.

The inmates facing charges include:

  • Amanda Lynn McKesson, age 40, Plymouth, Indiana arrested on December 20, 2021. Bond is $1,500.00
  • Ethan Wagers, age 27, Rochester, Indiana, arrested on December 21, 2021, Bond is $1,500.00.
  • Frederick Willis, age 60, currently being held by Starke County Jail for WCC Community.
  • Craig Osborn, age 40, Plymouth, Indiana, was arrested on December 28, 2021. The bond is $3,000.00.
  • Matthew Keller Lowry, age 33, currently within the Westville Correctional Facility. On February 09, 2022, Mr. Matthew Lowry was found Guilty of Welfare Fraud, a Level 6 Felony.
  • Jeremy Spencer, age 43, Osceola, Indiana arrested on Thursday, December 23, 2021. Bond is $3,000. On February 11, 2022, Jeremy Spencer was found guilty of Welfare Fraud, a Level 6 Felony.
  • Jolene M. Vanlaecke, age 40, Osceola, Indiana arrested on Thursday, December 23, 2021. Bond is 3,000.
  • Jessalyn Bunch, age 26, Plymouth, Indiana is currently serving time at the Women’s Prison.
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