Alabama Department of Industrial Relations Director 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.

Howard D. Dragg, of Selma, was tried in Dallas County District Court on August 14, 2012. An investigation by the Industrial Relations Benefit Payment Control Section determined that Dragg received a total of $2,720.00 in benefits to which he was not entitled.

Dregg pled guilty and was sentenced to 60 days in jail, which was suspended for one year pending restitution, and one year of unsupervised probation. He was ordered to pay court costs and restitution in the amount of benefits received illegally.

Ronald Franklin, of Eufaula, was tried in Barbour County District Court on June 19, 2012.

ELMORE COUNTY, AL (WSFA) - Josh Caspari, the man behind bars charged with the February 2012 murder of Anna Cardwell, entered a plea on Tuesday in an Elmore County courtroom.

Caspari pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity and reason of mental defect to charges of capital murder, theft of property first degree, escape third degree and promoting prison contraband.

Caspari was indicted last month following the February shooting death of 20-year-old Anna Cardwell. Caspari is believed to have shot Cardwell out of anger after she told her friend not to date Caspari.

No word yet on when a trial date will be set.

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Caspari's sister arrested again for second alleged escape attempt

ELMORE COUNTY, AL (WSFA) - The sister of an accused murderer is in police custody for the second time in less than a year for allegedly attempting to help break her brother out of jail.

Josh Caspari has been charged with capital murder, theft of property, escape and promoting prison contraband relating to the February 15 death of Anna Cardwell.

His sister, Jessica Caspari, was originally arrested on June 12 and charged with promoting prison contraband and facilitating the escape from a detention center. Jessica Caspari allegedly paid an inmate on work release  $500 to smuggle pieces of hacksaw blades to her brother who was being held with no bond.