A Marion woman pleaded not guilty Thursday in Flathead District Court to a felony charge of theft for illegally collecting unemployment benefits.

Jessica Jamison is alleged to have collected $3,640 in benefits to which she was not entitled between Feb. 4 and May 12, 2012.

A court document stated that each week, Jamison reported she was looking for work, able to work, and available to work, and that she had not refused work, did not quit or get fired and did not take time off or miss scheduled work.

According to the court document, one of Jamison’s employers — Teletech Customer Care Management — responded to an unemployment insurance division inquiry saying Jamison was still employed but on a leave of absence because a family member had reported she was in a coma.

An investigator then contacted Jamison, who reportedly said she had not been in a coma and that Teletech staff had been calling her to ask when she could return to work. Jamison also allegedly admitted she had not been looking for work.

The charge was brought against Jamison by Joseph Nevin, a representative of the Montana Department of Labor and Industry functioning as a special assistant attorney general and special deputy Flathead County attorney. Nevin did not appear at Thursday’s hearing.

Deputy Flathead County Attorney Alison Howard said such cases are regularly shifted to the county attorneys, but they had as of yet not received any such request.

If convicted, Jamison faces up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $50,000. Her next hearing is scheduled for June 12.

Reporter Jesse Davis may be reached at 758-4441 or by email at [email protected].