A Tucson couple has been sentenced for defrauding the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) of more than $60,000 in Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) benefits. Attorney General Kris Mayes announced that David Christopher Ellis, 42, received a six-year prison sentence, while Gabbrielle Elizabeth Ellis, 44, was given seven years of probation. Both pleaded guilty to Fraudulent Schemes and Artifices, a Class 2 Felony, in Pima County Superior Court. They were also ordered to pay $62,151 in restitution.
The fraudulent activity took place between June and August 2020. During this period, the Ellises submitted false PUA applications using the identities of other individuals, including incarcerated inmates and unsuspecting victims. The resulting benefit payments were collected by the defendants.
Attorney General Mayes stated: “Those who exploit public assistance programs will be held accountable. My office will continue to work alongside our law enforcement partners to protect Arizona taxpayers and ensure that critical safety net resources reach those who truly need them.”
The case was prosecuted by Assistant Attorney General Jocelyn Tellez-Amado from the Arizona Attorney General’s Office.
The Arizona Attorney General’s Office is responsible for providing legal and protective services across the state. It serves as Arizona’s chief legal office with responsibilities that include addressing issues such as elder abuse and civil rights violations through its cold case unit, supporting community protection efforts statewide according to its official website. The office also participates in federal lawsuits and supports initiatives related to fair housing and social media accountability.
Kris Mayes is serving as Arizona’s 27th attorney general and is recognized as the first mother to hold this position according to information on the official website.
