UPDATE: A Nowra woman has received a 12-month intensive corrections order after fraudulently obtaining $10,500 from Service NSW during the COVID-19 pandemic. Jade Ann Hucman, aged 33, appeared before Nowra Local Court on November 26, 2023, where she pleaded guilty to obtaining a financial advantage by deception.
The court heard that Hucman submitted 11 applications for various COVID-related grants between September 2021 and January 2022, totaling $41,920. Only two applications were successful, resulting in the fraudulent payments of $10,500 from the COVID-19 micro-business grant and an additional $350 from the test-and-isolate support payment.
Magistrate Lisa Viney emphasized the seriousness of the offence, stating, “This was not an insignificant amount,” and highlighted that Hucman’s actions were motivated by “greed.” She noted that Hucman had taken funds away from community members who were genuinely entitled to the support.
Court documents revealed that Hucman included photographs of various items, such as a cigarette packet and damaged phones, to support her applications. While Magistrate Viney acknowledged some planning, she deemed it “not overly sophisticated.”
Despite the severity of the crime, Hucman’s lack of prior offences since 2021, along with her expressed remorse and willingness to repay the money, factored into the sentencing decision. Hucman is now obligated to adhere to a treatment plan outlined in her sentencing assessment report.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the fraudulent activities that emerged during the pandemic, with authorities cracking down on those seeking to exploit emergency financial assistance programs. As the fallout from COVID-19 continues, scrutiny over financial aid distribution remains critical.
For those affected by similar situations or seeking assistance, it is essential to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the relevant authorities.
