More than 100 West Virginia inmates tried to obtain stimulus checks, agency says
Investigators with the West Virginia Division of Corrections and rehabilitation believe that more than 100 inmates in the state have sought to receive COVID-19 stimulus relief funds meant for U.S. workers and families. (WCHS/WVAH File)
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WCHS/WVAH) -- Investigators with the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation said they believe more than 100 inmates in the state have sought to receive COVID-19 stimulus relief funds meant for U.S. workers and families.
So far, 125 inmates have been identified and include 59 serving life sentences for first-degree murder, according to a news release from the state Department of Military Affairs and Public Safety.
Around the same amount are incarcerated on lengthy terms for sex crimes that are mostly against children or family members, the release said.
Inmates do not qualify for the Economic Impact Payments that are established under the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security, or CARES, Act as they are considered dependents because they receive housing, meals and medical care at taxpayers' expense.
Regardless, those inmates have still attempted to apply for the checks from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.
The IRS has requested for the return of all CARES checks that were sent to inmates be returned.
West Virginia State Police is assisting in the investigation.