Polson man admits to unemployment fraud

A Polson man has admitted to receiving unemployment benefits to which he was not entitled. Samuel Wendell Jr., 36, entered a plea of guilty Aug. 1 in District Court at Polson to felony theft.

The plea was entered as part of an agreement that calls for sentencing being deferred for six years to give Wendell time to pay restitution.

According to court records, between May 2020 and May 2021, Wendell under-reported his income which led to him receiving $27,035 in pandemic unemployment assistance while being gainfully employed.

Judge John A. Mercer presided over the change of plea hearing and set sentencing for Sept. 26. Wendell remains at liberty on his own recognizance.