WORCESTER – A Gardner woman faces federal charges for allegedly receiving Social Security disability benefits fraudulently for 10 years.
Michelle DiSalvo, 53, of Gardner, will appear in U.S. District Court in Worcester at a later date to face one count of receipt of stolen government money or property; one count of Social Security fraud; and one count of false statements.
According to federal prosecutors, DiSalvo allegedly received over $93,000 in Social Security disability benefits she knew she did not qualify for from October 2013 to October 2023. The allegations include that DiSalvo concealed information from the Social Security Administration with the intent to fraudulently obtain benefits. They also allege she submitted a fraudulent lease agreement in October 2023.
Prosecutors also allege that DiSalvo omitted her husband from the lease agreement, as his income would affect the amount of her benefits.
The charge of receipt of stolen government money or property provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater.
The charge of Social Security fraud provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater.
The charge of false statements provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater.
