“BOSTON – A New Bedford man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston to fraudulently obtaining Social Security disability benefits.
Anthony Patterson, 62, pleaded guilty to one count of theft of public funds. U.S. District Judge Alison D. Burrows has scheduled sentencing for September 10, 2024. Patterson was indicted in May 2024.
Patterson received Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, available only to those in financial difficulty, from 2013 to 2023. During two interviews with the Social Security Administration in 2012 and 2022, Patterson made false statements about his marital status and living situation to conceal his household income and assets. As a result, he received $92,582 in SSI benefits to which he was not entitled.
The theft of government funds charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, three years probation, and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. Penalties are imposed by a federal district court judge under the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes that determine sentences in criminal cases.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Acting Special Agent in Charge Bradley Parker of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Office announced today. Special Assistant United States Attorney James J. Nagelberg of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case. – Massachusetts Department of Justice.