A Lynn resident, James C. Burdulis, was charged in federal court in Boston on Mar. 13 with receiving stolen Social Security benefits and making false statements.
The case is significant because it involves allegations of fraud against a government program intended to support eligible beneficiaries. Authorities say that such cases can undermine public trust in the administration of social services.
According to the charging document, Burdulis allegedly received about $63,959 in stolen Social Security benefits from June 2019 through June 2025. He is also accused of submitting a fraudulent representative payee report to the Social Security Administration in June 2024. The report allegedly stated that funds were spent on behalf of a beneficiary during 2023 and 2024, even though the beneficiary had died several years earlier in 2019.
Burdulis faces one count each of receiving stolen government money or property and making false statements. If convicted, he could face up to ten years in prison for receiving stolen government money or property and up to five years for making false statements. Both charges also carry potential fines of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater, as well as supervised release terms. Sentencing would be determined by a federal district court judge based on U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Amy Connelly, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Social Security Administration’s Office of Investigations for the Boston Field Division announced the charges. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Nagelberg from the Major Crimes Unit will prosecute the case.
“The details contained in the charging document are allegations,” officials said. “The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.”