Man sentenced for role in stealing $1.5M in jobless benefits

A judge has sentenced a New Jersey man to 18 years in state prison for his role in what prosecutors say was one of the largest thefts from a government assistance program.

Terry Dilligard II pleaded guilty to theft by deception and money laundering. The 39-year-old Newark resident also agreed to repay $1 million.

Authorities say Dilligard admitted conspiring with his ex-girlfriend and father to defraud the state out of nearly $1.5 million in unemployment benefits. Prosecutors say claims were filed in the names of co-conspirators and under the names of people who had their identities stolen.

His girlfriend was sentenced to 5 years in prison and charges are pending against his 60-year-old father.

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