A Rockingham County grand jury has indicted David Coburn on multiple felony charges related to alleged unemployment fraud, highlighting a crackdown on misuse of benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic. The indictment accuses Coburn of collecting over $31,000 in unemployment compensation while actively employed as a sales representative, falsely claiming unemployment from May 2020 to May 2021. This case underscores the New Hampshire Department of Employment Security’s commitment to investigating and prosecuting those who attempt to defraud the state’s unemployment trust fund, with potential penalties including important prison time and fines. Coburn is scheduled for arraignment on October 17, 2025.
Concord, NH – Attorney General John M. Formella and Department of Employment Security Commissioner George N. Copadis announce that the Rockingham County Grand Jury has returned indictments against David Coburn, age 52, in connection with alleged unemployment fraud.
The indictments charge Coburn with Unemployment Compensation Fraud (Class A Felony), Attempted Unemployment Compensation Fraud (Class A Felony), and two counts of Theft by Deception (Class A and Class B Felonies).
According to the indictments, from May 2020 to May 2021 Coburn allegedly submitted false unemployment claims to the New Hampshire Department of Employment Security. The indictments allege that he failed to disclose his full-time employment as a sales representative with General Linen Service, and that as a result he allegedly received more than $31,000 in unemployment compensation, including enhanced federal COVID-19 benefits, while continuing to work.
Coburn is scheduled to be arraigned on October 17, 2025, in Rockingham County Superior Court. Each Class A felony offense is punishable by up to 7 ½ to 15 years in state prison, a fine, or both. The Class B felony offense is punishable by up to 3 ½ to 7 years in state prison, a fine, or both.
The investigation was conducted by the Department of Employment Security’s Benefit Payment Control Unit. The Department provides unemployment benefits to eligible individuals who are unemployed through no fault of their own and investigates allegations of fraud to protect New Hampshire’s unemployment trust fund.
To report possible unemployment fraud, call (603) 228-4019, or email the Department of Employment Security at NHES.BPC@NHES.NH.GOV. The New Hampshire Department of Employment Security receives program funding and grant awards from the U.S. Department of Labor.
The charges and allegations against Mr. Coburn are merely accusations, and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
