By: Richard L. Smith
Image: Trenton Downtown Assn.
A former employee of the New Jersey State Museum is facing criminal charges for allegedly collecting more than $31,000 in unemployment benefits while working full-time for the state.
According to a statement released by the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office, 37-year-old Shayion Brooks of Trenton is accused of filing false claims between June 2020 and September 2021, receiving benefits for 58 weeks while still on the state payroll.
Investigators allege Brooks not only collected the funds but later lied under oath at a tribunal hearing, claiming she was a victim of identity theft.
According to court documents, the payments were traced directly to her personal bank account, where state paychecks were also deposited.
Brooks has been charged with theft by unlawful taking, falsifying public records, and false swearing.
Officials emphasized that the charges are accusations only and that Brooks is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
The Attorney General’s Office said the case highlights the ongoing efforts of its Corruption Bureau to safeguard public resources.