New Rochelle Man Sentenced to 4.5 Years for COVID Unemployment Fraud

Aly Kaba used stolen identities to fraudulently obtain over $600,000 in pandemic benefits

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Aly Kaba, a 30-year-old man from New Rochelle, New York, was sentenced to 54 months in federal prison for orchestrating a scheme that used stolen identities to fraudulently obtain pandemic-related unemployment insurance benefits. Kaba's scheme resulted in claims for over $600,000 in benefits, and he received over $150,000 from the New York State Department of Labor.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing issue of fraud and identity theft related to pandemic relief programs, which have been targets for criminal exploitation. It also underscores the efforts of law enforcement to investigate and prosecute such crimes in order to protect public funds and maintain the integrity of these critical assistance programs.

The details

Evidence presented at trial showed that Kaba used multiple stolen identities, including those of victims identified by initials and two men who had died over a decade before the COVID-19 pandemic, to make fraudulent claims. Prosecutors said Kaba used some of the fraud proceeds for overseas travel and to purchase a Rolex watch. Kaba's co-conspirator and former roommate, Tony Brobbey, previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail fraud and aggravated identity theft and was sentenced to three years' probation with periodic weekend jail time.

  • On February 27, 2026, Aly Kaba was sentenced to 54 months in federal prison.
  • In January 2026, Kaba's co-conspirator Tony Brobbey was sentenced to three years' probation with periodic weekend jail time.

The players

Aly Kaba

A 30-year-old man from New Rochelle, New York, who orchestrated a scheme to fraudulently obtain over $600,000 in pandemic-related unemployment insurance benefits using stolen identities.

Tony Brobbey

Kaba's co-conspirator and former roommate, who previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail fraud and aggravated identity theft.

Mae A. D'Agostino

The U.S. District Judge who sentenced Aly Kaba to 54 months in federal prison.

John A. Sarcone III

The First Assistant U.S. Attorney who stated that Kaba "thought his fraud would get him some new gear and luxury vacations, but in the end, all he got was a trip to federal prison and a jumpsuit."

Nicholas Bucciarelli

The Acting Postal Inspection Service Chief who said investigators will "thoroughly investigate cases when individuals falsely obtain benefits they are not entitled to."

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing issue of fraud and identity theft related to pandemic relief programs, which have been targets for criminal exploitation. It also underscores the efforts of law enforcement to investigate and prosecute such crimes in order to protect public funds and maintain the integrity of these critical assistance programs.