Seven accused of wrongly collecting unemployment

The state Attorney General's Office has charged seven South Jersey residents with collecting unemployment benefits while they had jobs.

They were among 14 people statewide who were indicted on charges of stealing a combined $253,331 from the state's unemployment insurance trust fund between 2001 and 2005.

Those indicted on third-degree charges of theft by deception:

Michelle Washington of Sicklerville, who the state alleges collected about $15,000 while she was working as the manager of a nursing home in West Windsor, N.J. Washington, 43, is now the manager of the Branch Village section of Camden's housing authority.

Eric Perrin, 52, of Millville, N.J., who worked for a contracting company, a truck rental company and an oil salvaging company while he collected about $12,000, the state alleges.

Bernadette Hughes, 36, of Galloway, N.J., who allegedly stole about $17,000 while working for Trump Plaza Associates, the state says.

Stephanie Blount, 39, of Egg Harbor Township, N.J., who is alleged to have collected about $5,000 while she was working for the Atlantic County Treasurer's Office.

Tyrone Hawkins, 51, of Westville, who was employed by a construction company and a contractor when he collected about $31,000, the state said.

Jonnei Compaz-Gomez, 41, of Lumberton, who is accused of taking about $21,000 while he was working as a mortgage broker.

Kenneth Redheffer, 52, of Lawnside, who was charged with receiving about $30,000 while he was working as a driver.

Third-degree crimes carry a sentence of up to five years in state prison and a fine of up to $15,000.