When it comes to running a business, there are often difficult decisions that must be made, especially during a recession. While some companies struggle through, others must make the difficult to decision to close. Unfortunately, North Carolina officials claim that a father and son turned to fraud.
The case involves and 72-year-old man and his 51-year-old son. The state has accused the duo of defrauding it of just under $150,000. The father reportedly owned the Foot & Ankle Center of the Carolinas, P.A. His son managed the business operations, making personnel and payroll decisions.
Between Sept. 2009 and March 2013, the son is said to have placed employees on unemployment insurance benefits even though those employees continued to work. During some period, officials claims that both the father and son received benefits. After originally certifying workers' unemployment status, the son allegedly continued filing certifications on a weekly basis. The men recently filed plea agreements with the court. Though officials say that the father did not file any of the paperwork, they believe that he was aware of his son's alleged actions.
There are a variety of different reasons a person in North Carolina might accept a plea deal in cases involving fraud allegations. Because of the severe consequences associated with a conviction -- the two defendants in this case face a $1 million fine and up to 20 years in prison -- those who recognize that there is sufficient evidence for a conviction may opt for such a course of action. Often, those facing criminal accusations ask a professional with experience with such cases to advise them on the most appropriate course of action for their individual cases.