3-yr sentence for stealing unemployment

ALDEN, N.Y. (WIVB) - A man from Alden will spend at least the next three years in jail for stealing unemployment benefits.

Christopher Smith pleaded guilty to third degree grand larceny for unemployment insurance fraud. The 40-year-old was employed at a construction company while still getting benefits from the NYS Department of Labor for a period of 11 months. As a result, he received almost $7,000 he was not entitled to.

Smith was previously convicted of second degree attempted forgery. Taking into account this is Smith's second felony conviction, Justice William Boller sentenced him to an indeterminate term with a minimum of three years in jail and a maximum of six years.