UPDATE: A Nowra woman has been sentenced after fraudulently obtaining nearly $10,500 from Service NSW during the COVID-19 pandemic. Jade Ann Hucman, 33, appeared before the Nowra Local Court on November 26, 2023, where she pleaded guilty to obtaining a financial advantage by deception.
Hucman lodged 11 applications for various COVID-related grants, totaling $41,920, between September 2021 and January 2022. Only two of those applications were successful, netting her $10,500 from the COVID-19 micro-business grant and an additional $350 from the test-and-isolate support payment.
During the sentencing hearing, Magistrate Lisa Viney emphasized the significance of the amount involved, stating, “This was not an insignificant amount.” Hucman’s actions were described in court as motivated by “greed,” which affected other community members who were genuinely entitled to the funds.
According to court documents, Hucman submitted photographs of various objects, including a cigarette packet and damaged phones, as part of her fraudulent applications. While acknowledging some planning, Magistrate Viney noted that it was “not overly sophisticated.”
Despite the severity of her actions, Hucman received a 12-month intensive corrections order. The court considered her lack of previous offences since 2021, her expressed remorse, and her commitment to repay the money as mitigating factors.
Hucman is required to adhere to a treatment plan as outlined in her sentencing assessment report, which will be monitored throughout her sentence. This case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of exploiting government assistance programs, especially during a crisis.
As authorities continue to tighten regulations surrounding financial assistance during emergencies, this case highlights the importance of integrity and accountability in accessing public funds. Hucman’s sentencing underscores the ongoing efforts to combat fraud and protect resources meant for those in genuine need.
This developing story reflects broader concerns about fraudulent claims amid the pandemic and the measures being taken by governments to safeguard taxpayer money. Stay tuned for further updates on this case and similar developments.
