Two public sector workers charged in million-dollar pension fraud

 

Two public sector employees charged in a million-dollar pension fraud scheme are to return to the Kingston and St. Andrew Parish Court in October 6.

 

Dorett Mullings, an administrative assistant at the Institute of Jamaica, and Orion Satchel, a life certificate officer employed at the Accountant General's Department, have been charged with multiple offences arising from the unlawful diversion of pension payments. 

 

Ms. Mullings is charged with possession of criminal property, receiving stolen property and conspiracy to defraud, while Mr. Satchel is charged with conspiracy to defraud and misconduct in a public office. 

 

Investigations revealed that between March 2017 and May 2018, Mr. Satchel requested and manipulated life certificates for various pensioners whose banking information was fraudulently changed to reflect an account held by Ms. Mullings at a local credit union. 

 

This allowed 17 pension payments totalling $1,022,238.95 to be funnelled into her account. The funds are withdrawn shortly after each deposit. 

 

Meanwhile, Commissioner of the Revenue Protection Department, Cranston Morgan, says a multifaceted approach was used to protect revenue through direct investigations, supporting other agencies and strengthening systems to prevent abuse.

 

"This case is another demonstration of the critical importance of cross-agents' collaboration in detecting and addressing fraud. It reinforces our commitment to protecting public funds and ensuring that individuals who attempt to defraud the state are held accountable. We were pleased to assist our law enforcement partners by providing timely intelligence that was key in uncovering the irregularities," he said.