RALEIGH —  The Division of Employment Security (DES) continues to make changes to strengthen the state’s unemployment insurance program.

In a report released to members of the state’s legislative task force on unemployment insurance, DES outlines ongoing management improvements and upcoming changes to the unemployment insurance program that includes potential felony charges and revised weekly certification questions.

“While the Division is working to enhance the methods for which we detect fraud, there has to be a tougher penalty for those found guilty of fraud,” said DES Assistant Secretary Dempsey Benton. “The General Assembly passed legislation this year to do this. The felony charge will hopefully deter some of those individuals who choose to fraud the system. Adding more questions to ...