Kalispell man charged for allegedly stealing unemployment benefits

A Kalispell man was arrested Thursday on a $25,000 warrant after state officials filed charges last week claiming that he stole more than $12,000 in unemployment benefits.

Chad L. Loveless, 30, was charged with felony theft, a common scheme, in Flathead District Court by Joseph Nevin, Special Assistant Attorney General for Montana.

According to court documents Loveless allegedly made 89 weekly claims for unemployment benefits between Oct. 16, 2011, and June 29, 2013. Loveless allegedly reported working 2,058 hours and earning $19,232 in wages during that time frame. Loveless’ employer, Smith’s Food and Drug, allegedly reported to authorities that Loveless had actually worked 2,913 hours and was paid $41,976 during that time.

The state argues that Loveless was paid $17,495 in unemployment benefits, of which he was only entitled to $5,336. The overpayment was allegedly $12,259. The state is also asking for a 33 percent penalty in addition to the amount allegedly owed, for a total of $18,385.

Loveless allegedly did not respond when he was offered the right to appeal his case after the Montana Department of Labor and Insurance made a determination of fraud in the case.

An arraignment date was not immediately available.

Reporter Megan Strickland can be reached at 758-4459 or mstrickland@dailyinterlake.com.