21 arrested in unemployment scam at San Mateo Co. Jail, sources say

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. (KGO) -- The ABC7 News I-Team has learned about arrests linked to a scheme by San Mateo County Jail inmates to obtain unemployment benefits intended for people affected by COVID-19.

11 inmates at San Mateo County Jail in Redwood City allegedly used county laptops for phony unemployment claims, to the tune of $300,000.

Sources tell Reporter Dan Noyes that San Mateo County Sheriff's Deputies and officers from other agencies arrested 21 people in three counties, stretching from San Francisco to the San Joaquin Valley. Those suspects include girlfriends and friends of the suspected inmates.

Stay with ABC7 News for the latest details on this developing story.

Take a look at more stories by Dan Noyes and the ABC7 News I-Team.