Crime & Safety

Cobb Residents Receive False Unemployment Benefits

Four people, including two from Marietta, face charges in connection with the alleged fraud.

Four Cobb area residents are accused of fraudulently obtaining a total of $60,384 in unemployment benefits.

Arrest warrants were issued this week for Cynthia Y. Winthrop of Mableton, Laqueta G. Smith of Marietta, Paul A. Drayton of East Cobb and Laverne V. Baker of Marietta on a charge of making a false representation to obtain unemployment insurance benefits.

According to the warrants, Winthrop allegedly received $30,694; Smith, $12,530; Drayton, $12,870; and Baker, $4,290.

Winthrop surrendered on Monday, according to online jail records. She was released the same day on a $1,000 bond. 

Drayton was arrested Tuesday night on Burnt Hickory Road, records show. He was released Wednesday afternoon on a $1,000 bond.

Smith and Baker have not surrendered to authorities.


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