PHOENIX – Two Arizona Department of Economic Security employees have been convicted of receiving bribes to approve unemployment insurance claims, federal officials said.

Jacqueline Espino, 53, of Phoenix, pleaded guilty to one count of bribery concerning a program that receives federal funds. Sentencing is scheduled for May 5.

In a separate case, Brandilyn Lorenzen, 48, of Gilbert, was sentenced on Jan. 22 to 30 months in prison for bribery concerning a program that receives federal funds.

Lorenzen was also ordered to pay more than $2.9 million in restitution. She pleaded guilty to the charge in November, according to a release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Espino and Lorenzen were employed by the DES as adjudicators who evaluated claims for both unemployment insurance and pandemic unemployment assistance, the release stated.

 Between 2020 and 2022, when DES was facing a higher volume of UI and PUA claims as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Espino and Lorenzen each accepted bribes to approve UI and PUA claims for individuals who were not qualified to receive such assistance. In addition, both Espino and Lorenzen admitted that they embezzled large sums of money from DES for their own benefit and for the others, authorities said.

“These defendants didn’t just accept bribes,” United States Attorney Gary Restaino said.

“When public employees cheat, they damage the credibility of their colleagues across the country. In a time of unprecedented attacks against the integrity of public servants, it’s important for us all to recognize the patriotic service of federal and state employees.”

According to the release:

“Espino admitted in her plea agreement that she received bribes related to nine UI/PUA claims, which caused DES to pay $140,298 in claims that were not properly adjudicated by DES. During the same period of time, Espino also embezzled $600,672 in DES funds for her own benefit and others.

“Lorenzen admitted in her plea agreement that she received bribes related to 24 UI/PUA claims, which caused DES to pay $532,964 in claims that were not properly adjudicated by DES. During the same period of time, Lorenzen also embezzled $2,461,520 in DES funds for her own benefit and others. At her sentencing, Lorenzen was ordered to pay $2,994,484 in restitution to DES.”

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