A New Kensington man served six months in a federal prison after he was convicted of receiving pandemic unemployment compensation that he didn’t qualify for.

Erick Woods, 23, of New Kensington was sentenced to time served (six months) and a two-year term of supervised released, after he was convicted of conspiracy to commit mail fraud, related to pandemic unemployment compensation.

Woods was ordered to pay restitution of $11,910.

In addition, Cassandra Rangel, 28, of Pittsburgh pleaded guilty in federal court in Pittsburgh to an identical count of mail fraud conspiracy.

Part of the plea agreement includes $13,205 in restitution.

She is scheduled for sentencing on June 2. The law allows for a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000.

The FBI led the investigations that led to the arrest and conviction in both cases.

Editor’s Note: This story has been updated to reflect Erick Woods’ correct gender.

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