Worcester Man Charged With SNAP Fraud Using Deceased Person’s Identity

A man in Worcester, Massachusetts, has been charged in federal court for allegedly using the identity of a deceased U.S. Citizen to obtain Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

The defendant, referred to in court documents as John Doe, was arrested on April 2, 2026. He remains detained following an initial appearance in federal court in Worcester.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Massachusetts, the man is alleged to be a 57-year-old citizen of the Dominican Republic who is unlawfully present in the United States.

Details of the Identity Theft

Federal prosecutors allege that the defendant has lived in the Worcester area for two decades under the stolen identity of a U.S. Citizen from Puerto Rico who died in 2006.

Using this deceased person’s identity, the man is accused of fraudulently obtaining a Social Security card and Massachusetts identification cards.

The use of this false identity extended into the state’s criminal justice system. Court documents indicate that the defendant served time in a Massachusetts state prison for convictions under the dead citizen’s identity, including charges for drug trafficking and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, specifically a gun.

In September 2012, the defendant was convicted in Worcester Superior Court for these crimes. He was sentenced to 11-15 years in state prison for cocaine trafficking and 8-10 years for the assault and battery charge.

SNAP Benefits Fraud

The current federal charges stem from the defendant’s actions following his release from prison in January 2022. Prosecutors allege that upon his release, he used the stolen identity to apply for SNAP benefits.

Charging documents state that in April 2022, the man spoke with an employee of the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance regarding his application for the benefits program.

The defendant has been charged with the false representation of a Social Security number and unlawfully obtaining SNAP benefits.

U.S. Attorney Leah Foley stated that this prosecution is part of an ongoing enforcement priority by the United States Attorney to investigate and prosecute benefit fraud involving both state and federal assistance programs.