Press Release  Three Individuals Arraigned for Alleged Pandemic Unemployment Fraud

Boston, MA — Three Plymouth individuals have been arraigned in Suffolk Superior Court for allegedly collecting over $97,000 in pandemic unemployment assistance (PUA), Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell announced today. The arraignments follow a joint investigation by the AG’s Office and the Office of the Inspector General (OIG), which stemmed from a complaint to the OIG’s fraud hotline.  

“We will continue to take seriously and investigate any and all allegations regarding the exploitation of these critical public funds,” said AG Campbell, “I thank the Inspector General and his team as well as the AGO staff for their work on this matter.” 

“These arraignments represent our commitment to investigate reports of fraudulent use of these critical public resources,” Inspector General Jeffrey S. Shapiro said.  “I thank the Attorney General’s Office as well as the OIG investigative team for their diligent efforts.” 

The following three individuals were arraigned in Suffolk Superior Court on October 16, 2023, on the following charges: 

Aaron Fernandes, 42, of Plymouth 

• Unemployment Fraud (Two counts) 

• Larceny over $1200 (Three counts) 
• Identity Fraud (One count) 
• Conspiracy to Commit Larceny (One count) 

Katherine Quigley, 43, of Plymouth 

• Unemployment Fraud (Four counts) 

• Larceny over $1200 (Four counts) 
• Identity Fraud (Three counts) 
• Conspiracy to Commit Larceny (One count) 

Rebecca Holmes, 52, of Plymouth 

• Conspiracy to Commit Larceny (One count) 

As a result of the arraignments, all three defendants are ordered to stay away and have no contact with involved witnesses or victims. While Fernandes has been held on a $2,500 cash bail, both Quigley and Holmes have been placed on probation including no contact with witnesses and victims, amongst other conditions.  

This matter is being handled by Division Chief Geoffrey Wood, Senior Investigator Lashauna Craig, both of the AG’s Insurance and Unemployment Fraud Division, and Office of the Inspector General’s Audit, Oversight and Investigations Division.

###