4 Charged in Massachusetts for $1 Million SNAP and Pandemic Fraud Scheme
Federal authorities in Massachusetts have charged four individuals in a substantial fraud scheme involving over $1 million in food stamps and pandemic-related unemployment benefits. According to federal prosecutors, the accused utilized more than 100 stolen identities to perpetrate this multi-state operation.
Details of the Fraud Operation
U.S. Attorney Leah Foley highlighted that the stolen identities originated from various states, including Connecticut, Florida, Kentucky, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Puerto Rico. The fraudulent activities resulted in the acquisition of approximately $440,000 in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits in both Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
Furthermore, the defendants allegedly filed false documents to secure over $700,000 in Pandemic Unemployment Assistance across multiple states, including Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Washington, and Nevada. Foley remarked, “The charges announced today are just a snapshot of the bigger picture, not just in Massachusetts but across the country.”
Increased Focus on Fraud Prevention
In response to this escalating fraud issue, Foley’s office plans to appoint a dedicated fraud coordinator. She pointed to a previous incident in December where two store owners faced charges in a $7 million SNAP benefits trafficking scheme, indicating a troubling trend in Massachusetts.
Defendants and Legal Proceedings
The three defendants, all from Massachusetts, are set to appear in federal court in Worcester. They include:
- Joel Vicioso Fernandez, 42, of Fitchburg
- Roman Yequiz Fernandez, 32, Venezuelan national residing in Leominster
- Coralba Albarracin Siniva, 24, Venezuelan national residing in Leominster
Raul Fernandez Vicioso, 37, also from Fitchburg, is charged with multiple offenses, including conspiracy to commit SNAP fraud and money laundering. The court date for his appearance is yet to be announced.
Investigation and Evidence
The investigation focused on El Primo restaurant in Leominster, owned by Fernandez Vicioso. Prosecutors allege that the defendants used fraudulently obtained SNAP benefits to purchase high-priced bulk food items for the restaurant. Visual evidence reportedly shows them buying food using these illicit benefits.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s office, the defendants subsequently prepared and sold meals at El Primo, profiting from the fraudulent scheme. They allegedly wired part of the proceeds to individuals in Venezuela and the Dominican Republic.
Discovery of Fraud Activities
Investigators uncovered counterfeit passports, Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards, and records of stolen identities at the restaurant and the home of Fernandez Vicioso. Notably, the restaurant’s address was used in applications for pandemic unemployment assistance, involving identities of 29 victims.
State Action and Awareness
The state of Rhode Island flagged the fraud in June 2024 after noticing suspicious SNAP applications linked to two Rhode Island apartments. This prompted Rhode Island officials to reach out to the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance, which revealed over $115,000 in benefits disbursed to these stolen identities. Foley noted insufficient referral action from the U.S. Department of Agriculture regarding the fraud.
In light of these events, Foley emphasized the vulnerabilities posed by states permitting online applications without robust verification processes. “Any state that allows online applications without verification is open to abuse and fraud,” she concluded.
