15 Face Federal Charges in Mass. Benefit Fraud Case
Officials said the suspects used stolen identities and false statements to siphon benefits from SNAP, MassHealth and Social Security disability programs.
- On Thursday, federal prosecutors in Massachusetts announced the arrest of 15 people accused of stealing more than $1.4 million from taxpayer-funded benefit programs, with U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts Leah Foley leading the enforcement action.
- Acting Assistant Attorney General Colin MacDonald of the National Fraud Enforcement Division stated that 11 of the 15 defendants are suspected illegal aliens who allegedly 'assumed stolen identities to steal these taxpayer-funded benefits and avoid detection.'
- Charges span Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, MassHealth, and Social Security disability payments. Heriberto Rodriguez of Framingham faces passport and SNAP fraud charges, allegedly obtaining more than $546,000 in public benefits.
- The National Fraud Enforcement Division has announced over 650 major fraud enforcement activities nationwide in less than two months, reflecting benefit fraud as a priority for President Donald Trump's administration.
- Foley's office established a district-wide Benefit and Voter Fraud Team in March to investigate such misuse. Officials describe this case as the opening phase of a sustained effort to prosecute benefits fraud across Massachusetts.
25 Articles
25 Articles
11 Illegal Immigrants Among 15 Suspects Held in Alleged $1.4 Million Benefit Fraud Scheme in Massachusetts
Fifteen people, including 11 illegal immigrants, in Massachusetts have been arrested and accused of fraudulently obtaining $1.4 million in food stamps, MassHealth, disability, and unemployment benefits, the Justice Department said Thursday. Of those in the country illegally, six are Dominican nationals, one is an Indian national, and four are listed as “John Doe” because authorities believe they are using stolen identities and have yet to verify…
Suspected illegal immigrants accused of stealing Americans’ IDs to get benefits
Suspected illegal immigrants accused of stealing Americans’ IDs to get benefits | 18 June 2026 | A nationwide welfare fraud crackdown reached Massachusetts this week, as federal authorities announced the arrests of 15 people — 11 of them illegal immigrants — accused of stealing more than $1.4 million in American taxpayer-funded benefits. The defendants are accused of fraudulently obtaining benefits through programs including Supplemental Nutriti…
11 Illegal Aliens Arrested In Connection With $1.4 Million Fraud Scheme
The U.S. Justice Department has announced charges against 15 people in Massachusetts for their alleged roles in a benefits fraud scheme totaling more than $1.4 million. The case involves Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, formerly known as food stamps, MassHealth (Massachusetts’ Medicaid program), Social Security disability benefits, housing assistance through the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and oth…
DOJ Announces 15 Individuals Indicted in Massachusetts Fraud Investigation, 11 Illegal Aliens and 4 U.S. Nationals
The Justice Department Fraud Taskforce announced today fifteen individuals, 11 illegal aliens and four U.S. citizens, have been charged and arrested for benefit fraud in Massachusetts. The defendants are charged with more than $1.4 million in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefit fraud, MassHealth benefit fraud and disability and unemployment benefit fraud. Assistant AG Colin […] The post DOJ Announces 15 Individuals Indicted …
‘We are just beginning to scratch the surface’: 15 people arrested in alleged $1.4 million benefit fraud scheme - The Boston Globe
Officials said the defendants allegedly obtained funds including SNAP food assistance, MassHealth coverage, Social Security disability payments, housing assistance, and unemployment benefits.
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