Following an investigation into fraudulent unemployment claims throughout New Jersey, 20 people are now facing criminal charges, the state Attorney General’s Office said on Tuesday. The 20 defendants were charged over a two-month period. Each of them claimed anywhere from $13,000 to $100,000 in benefits and in some instances, identity theft was committed to file claims, officials said. The unemployment payouts totaled $1.1 million, the state said. “Unemployment insurance fraud directly affects taxpayers in New Jersey, as well as those who rely on this program during times of need,” New Jersey …