RIVERSIDE – (INT) – An Inland Empire couple is facing trial for fraudulently obtaining more than $2.1 million in COVID-19 pandemic relief funds.

Lisa Puente, 43, of Rialto, and Arthur Marquez, 53, of San Bernardino were arraigned Tuesday (November 5th), pleaded not guilty and their trial in federal court at Riverside was set for December 30th.

An indictment alleges the pair submitted more than 120 fraudulent applications for unemployment insurance (UI) benefits using stolen identities, including those of California state prisoners.

Charges include six counts of mail fraud, use of unauthorized access devices and aggravated identity theft.

Story Date: November 15, 2024