Albany, NY — Niesha Goodwin, 37, of Albany, has pled guilty to multiple charges including mail fraud, aggravated identity theft, and drug distribution. She was accused of fraudulently obtaining over $150,000 in pandemic-related unemployment benefits using the stolen identities of five individuals.
From July 2020 to March 2021, Goodwin submitted fraudulent applications to the New York State Department of Labor, receiving the benefits under the false names. As part of her plea agreement, Goodwin has agreed to pay restitution in the amount of $151,783.
In addition to the fraud charges, Goodwin admitted to possessing a loaded pistol and cocaine base with intent to distribute. This occurred during a November 2022 search of her residence, where authorities recovered the firearm and drugs. Given her prior robbery conviction, she was prohibited from possessing the firearm and has agreed to forfeit it.
Goodwin now faces a minimum of two years in prison, fines of up to $1.75 million, and at least three years of supervised release when sentenced.
