A woman from Gardner, Massachusetts, has been charged in federal court with allegedly obtaining Social Security disability benefits through fraudulent means over a ten-year period.
Michelle M. DiSalvo, 53, faces one count each of receipt of stolen government money or property, Social Security fraud, and making false statements. Her initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Worcester is scheduled for a later date.
According to charging documents, authorities allege that between October 2013 and October 2023, DiSalvo received approximately $93,640 in disability benefits she was not entitled to receive. It is further alleged that she concealed important information from the Social Security Administration (SSA) to obtain these benefits fraudulently. In October 2023, DiSalvo is accused of submitting a fraudulent lease agreement to the SSA.
Prosecutors claim that DiSalvo omitted her husband from the lease because including him would have required her to report his income and resources, which could have affected the amount of benefits she received.
If convicted on the charge of receipt of stolen government money or property, DiSalvo could face up to ten years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss—whichever is greater. The charges of Social Security fraud and false statements each carry potential sentences of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and similar fines. Sentencing decisions are made by a federal district court judge according to U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and relevant statutes.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley stated: “The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.” Amy Connelly, Special Agent-in-Charge at the Social Security Administration’s Office of Inspector General in Boston Field Division also participated in announcing the charges. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Nagelberg from the Major Crimes Unit will prosecute the case.