A Dominican national living unlawfully in Brockton, Massachusetts, was arrested and charged with healthcare benefit fraud and aggravated identity theft, according to an April 20 announcement by federal authorities.
Amaurys Arias Arias, age 44, faces one count of making false statements related to health care matters and one count of aggravated identity theft. After his arrest, Arias appeared in federal court in Boston and was ordered detained pending a hearing scheduled for April 23.
Charging documents allege that Arias used the stolen identity of a U.S. citizen to apply for government benefits. Authorities say he falsely claimed U.S. citizenship when applying for Massachusetts healthcare benefits and submitted a sworn affidavit supporting this claim. As a result, it is alleged that he received tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of MassHealth benefits under the stolen identity. Prosecutors also allege that Arias used this same stolen identity during prior arrests, resulting in convictions recorded under the victim’s name.
If convicted on the charge of making false statements relating to a health care program, Arias could face up to five years in prison, supervised release for one year, and a fine up to $250,000. The aggravated identity theft charge carries a mandatory two-year sentence consecutive to any other sentence imposed as well as supervised release and another possible $250,000 fine. Sentences are determined by federal judges based on sentencing guidelines and statutes.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley said: “On March 26, 2026… announced the creation of the Benefit & Voter Fraud Team, a district-wide initiative established in response to the rampant fraud being uncovered across Massachusetts.” Foley added that two senior prosecutors lead this team with a mission “to aggressively investigate and prosecute misuse of taxpayer-funded benefits.” Members of the public are encouraged to report suspected benefit fraud by calling 1-855-SCAM-MA-1 (855-722-6621).
The Department of Justice recently created the National Fraud Enforcement Division on April 7 with what it describes as “the core mission…to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars.” This effort supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance.
The U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts advances community initiatives on civil rights and violence prevention according to its official website. The office maintains facilities at Boston’s John Joseph Moakley United States Federal Courthouse along with branch offices in Springfield and Worcester according to its official website. It is part of the United States Department of Justice according to its official website.
Employing over 200 attorneys, paralegals, and professional staff according to its official website, the office enforces federal laws through prosecutions involving national security threats as well as civil rights violations according to its official website. It serves all residents across Massachusetts according to its official website.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office handles both criminal prosecutions and civil litigation for federal matters throughout Massachusetts from multiple locations statewide while promoting public safety since its founding in 1789 as one of America’s earliest such entities according to its official website.
Foley concluded her remarks stating: “The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.”