James C. Burdulis, a resident of Lynn, pleaded guilty on April 7 in federal court in Boston to charges related to receiving stolen Social Security benefits and making false statements.
The case centers on the misuse of government funds intended for a deceased beneficiary. The charges are significant as they highlight efforts by authorities to address fraud involving public benefit programs.
According to court documents, Burdulis, age 57, admitted guilt to one count of receiving stolen government money or property and one count of false statements. U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs has scheduled sentencing for July 8. Prosecutors said Burdulis was charged on March 26.
Burdulis had been appointed as the representative payee for a Social Security beneficiary before their death in May 2019. From June 2019 through June 2025, he received about $63,959 in benefits meant for the deceased individual. Authorities say that between June 2020 and June 2024, Burdulis submitted five fraudulent reports under penalty of perjury stating that he spent these funds on behalf of the deceased person after their death. In September 2020, he also submitted a form falsely verifying that the beneficiary was still alive at their previous address.
If convicted on all counts, Burdulis faces up to ten years in prison for receiving stolen government money or property and up to five years for making false statements. Each charge also carries potential fines up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Amy Connelly, Special Agent-in-Charge with the Social Security Administration’s Office of Investigations in Boston announced the plea agreement. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Nagelberg is prosecuting.