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Fitchburg Woman Pleads Guilty to Theft of Public Funds

By Tom Marino | December 12, 2020
Last Updated: March 23, 2021

Rhonda Bernal, 62, of Fitchburg, pleaded guilty in federal court to theft of public funds and making false statements on Friday, December 11.

Bernal was arrested and charges in July 2019. Sentencing is scheduled for April 5, 2021.

According to US Attorney Andrew Lelling’s office, Bernal stole $71,462 in Social Security benefits, $6,444 in MassHealth benefits and $13,505 in SNAP benefits over a period of eight years.

In February 2015, Bernal falsely informed the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance that she was the only person in her household when, in fact, she was living with her husband.

Bernal also falsely told Social Security in April 2016 that she and a relative, who was not her husband, were the only members of her household.

Theft of public funds provide for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater.

Making false statements provide for a sentence of up to five years in prison and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater.

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