A Worcester man has been charged with fraudulently obtaining Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits by using the identity of a deceased U.S. citizen, according to an April 3 announcement from federal authorities.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by the United States Attorney’s Office to investigate and prosecute benefit fraud involving federal and state assistance programs. Officials say such cases can undermine public trust in these programs and divert resources away from eligible recipients.
Prosecutors allege that John Doe, whose true identity is believed to be that of a 57-year-old Dominican Republic citizen unlawfully present in the United States, lived in Massachusetts under the name of a Puerto Rican citizen who died in 2006. Authorities said Doe obtained identification documents and a Social Security card under this false identity. He was arrested on April 2 and remains detained after his initial court appearance.
According to charging documents, Doe has prior criminal convictions under the stolen identity, including assault and drug offenses for which he served prison time. After his release in January 2022, officials allege he used the same false identity to apply for SNAP benefits. In April 2022, when speaking with a Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance employee about his application, questions arose about whether his Social Security number matched that of a deceased person; however, his application was ultimately approved.
Authorities claim that between April 2022 and February 2026, Doe collected approximately $12,623 in SNAP benefits using the stolen identity. The charges against him include unlawfully obtaining SNAP benefits—which carries up to twenty years in prison—and misrepresenting a Social Security number—with up to five years imprisonment if convicted. Sentences will be determined by a federal district court judge based on relevant guidelines.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley announced the charges along with officials from Homeland Security Investigations; Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General; U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General; and Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan O’Shea is prosecuting the case.
Authorities emphasized that all details contained within charging documents are allegations at this stage: “The defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in the court of law.”