Detroit Man Sentenced to Over Five Years for Pandemic Unemployment Fraud

Christopher Niebel, a 46-year-old man from Allen Park, Michigan, has been sentenced to more than five years in prison for his involvement in a significant unemployment insurance fraud scheme. Niebel, who also faces three years of supervised release, was ordered by a federal judge to repay $512,000 in restitution. This sentencing follows Niebel’s guilty plea to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft charges, crimes that carried a potential maximum sentence of 20 years and an additional mandatory two years, respectively.

Federal agents apprehended Niebel in May 2021, identifying him as a former tax preparer who operated under the name "Tax Guy Chris." Additionally, Niebel had worked seasonally as a manager for Party City, a New Jersey-based party supply chain. Investigations revealed that he exploited his position at Party City to access and steal personal identifying information from employee and job applicant files. Niebel then used this information to file fraudulent claims with the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency from March to August 2020, securing approximately $512,000 in pandemic unemployment assistance. Authorities reported that Niebel spent the illicit funds on various personal expenses, including food, lodging, lottery tickets, and casino gambling.

Julia Dale, director of the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency, expressed her dismay at the selfishness exhibited by fraudsters like Niebel, noting that his actions undermined the public’s trust and deprived deserving Michiganders of much-needed assistance during the pandemic.