Former DL Resident Ordered to Pay $55K for Unemployment Fraud
Anthony Poatient Wehyee, 58, of Fergus Falls, formerly of Detroit Lakes, has been sentenced in Becker County Court for fraudulently obtaining unemployment benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic. Wehyee was accused of wrongfully receiving over $86,000 in government benefits, including unemployment, rent assistance, and PPP loans.
Judge Gretchen Thilmony ordered him to pay $57,680 in restitution, a fine and court fees. He’ll also serve 15 days in jail, followed by five years of supervised probation, and undergo cognitive skills training.
Detroit Lakes Man Charged in $4,500 Electronics Theft
Lamont Lee Cervenka, 56, of Detroit Lakes, has been charged with felony theft after being accused of stealing over $4,500 in electronics from a family member’s boat last May.
Court documents state that Cervenka pawned the stolen items, including two sonar units and an electric downrigger, at a Brainerd pawnshop. The equipment was recovered, but Cervenka missed a court date on December 3, and a warrant is now out for his arrest.
Citations: Detroit Lakes Tribune, January 7, 2025; Becker County District Court records.