BOSTON – A Fitchburg woman was arrested on Tuesday and charged in federal court in Boston with fraudulently receiving Social Security disability benefits, MassHealth, and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
Rhonda Bernal, 60, was charged with three counts of theft of public funds and two counts of making false statements. She appeared before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Jennifer Boal and was released on conditions.
In total, Bernal stole more than $91,000 in public funds.
Over the course of eight years, Bernal stole $71,462 in Social Security benefits, $6,444 in MassHealth benefits, and $13,505 in SNAP benefits, or Food Stamps.
In Feb. 2015, Bernal allegedly told the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance that she was the only person in her household.
However, at the time, she was found to be living with her husband.
Additionally, according to the indictment, Bernal allegedly falsely told Social Security in April 2016 that she and a relative, who was not her husband, were the only members of her household.
Bernal faces a sentence of no greater than 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 charges of making false statements provide for a sentence of no greater than 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. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Follow us on The016.com, the social network for Worcester and you!
