A Summerville man is facing serious charges after investigators say he illegally collected unemployment benefits while still employed.
Matthew Howard Morgenthaler, 29, has been charged with:
Obtaining property by false pretenses (over $10,000)
First-degree computer crime valued at more than $10,000
Forgery of $10,000 or more
The charges stem from a South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) investigation requested by the Department of Employment and Workforce (DEW).
Allegations of Fraudulent Claims
According to affidavits, between January 2021 and June 2022, Morgenthaler applied for and received unemployment insurance benefits exceeding $10,000—even though he was working for a car sales company during that time.
Authorities say Morgenthaler submitted his claims online, falsely reporting that he was unemployed.
Defense Claim of Identity Theft Disputed
When confronted during the investigation, Morgenthaler reportedly claimed that he was a victim of identity theft and denied filing the claims. But investigators reviewed his bank records, which showed the unemployment payments had been deposited directly into his accounts.
Arrest and Booking
SLED agents arrested Morgenthaler on Tuesday. He was booked into the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center in Richland County. His mugshot has not yet been released.
What’s Next
The case highlights South Carolina’s ongoing efforts to crack down on pandemic-era unemployment fraud, which spiked as claims surged during COVID-19. If convicted, Morgenthaler could face significant prison time and be ordered to pay restitution.
Authorities say unemployment fraud drains taxpayer money and harms the integrity of public programs meant to help those truly in need. The arrest of Matthew Morgenthaler underscores that false claims are aggressively investigated and prosecuted in South Carolina.
