MONTGOMERY – Alabama Department of Labor Commissioner Tom Surtees announced today that the Department has successfully prosecuted several Alabamians for unemployment compensation fraud. The following individuals were charged with violating the Alabama Unemployment Compensation Law by making false statements in claims for benefits:  Sylvester Phelan, of Shorter, was tried in Macon County District Court on May 8, 2013. An investigation by Labor’s Benefit Payment Control Section determined that Phelan received a total of $1,285 in benefits to which he was not entitled. Phelan pled guilty and was sentenced to six months in jail, which was suspended. He was also fined $100 and ordered to pay court costs and restitution in the amount of benefits received illegally.   Thomas M. Allen, of Montevallo, was tried in Chilton County District Court on May 23, 2013.

MONTGOMERY – Alabama Department of Labor Commissioner Tom Surtees announced today that the Department has successfully prosecuted several Alabamians for unemployment compensation fraud. The following individuals were charged with violating the Alabama Unemployment Compensation Law by making false statements in claims for benefits:

- Michael Burgess, of Tuscaloosa, was tried in Tuscaloosa County District Court on March 6, 2013. An investigation by Labor’s Benefit Payment Control Section determined that Burgess received a total of $2,580 in benefits to which he was not entitled.

Burgess pled guilty and was sentenced to 90 days in jail, which was suspended for two years, and 24 months of probation. He was also fined $100 and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of benefits received illegally.

W. Gaines Smith, retired director of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System and 4-H alumnus, was inducted into the Alabama 4-H Wall of Fame March 19 at the Alabama 4-H and Youth Development Center in Columbiana. He was one of 24 inductees honored during special ceremonies at the Alabama 4-H Environmental Science Education Center. Smith was nominated by Alabama 4-H.

The Alabama 4-H Wall of Fame recognizes individuals and organizations that have had a significant effect on the 4-H Youth Development program, its members and leaders. The Alabama 4-H Club Foundation, Inc., and Alabama 4-H honors, remembers and pays tribute to those who influenced the lives of Alabama youth by their commitment "To Make the Best Better."

W. Gaines Smith is the only director of the Extension System or its predecessor, The Alabama Cooperative Extension Service, to have worked at every level of Extension in Alabama.