A Dominican national residing unlawfully in Boston pleaded guilty on May 27 to charges of illegally acquiring supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP) benefits and false representation of a Social Security number, according to an announcement by United States Attorney Leah B. Foley on June 1. Chief Judge Denise J. Casper scheduled sentencing for Victor Suazo Reynoso, 69, for Sept. 2.
Reynoso was charged and arrested in March after using the name, birthdate, and Social Security number of a United States citizen to obtain a Massachusetts driver’s license and more than $18,000 in SNAP benefits. SNAP is a federal program administered by states that provides funds for low-income individuals and families to purchase food.
The charge of illegal acquisition of SNAP benefits carries a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine up to $250,000 as well as restitution. The charge related to false representation of a Social Security number also carries up to five years imprisonment, three years supervised release, and the same fine amount. Reynoso is subject to deportation upon completion of any sentence imposed. Sentences are determined by federal district court judges based on U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and relevant statutes.
Foley announced the creation of the Benefit & Voter Fraud Team on March 26 as part of efforts responding to widespread benefit fraud across Massachusetts: “The Team is led by two senior federal prosecutors serving as Fraud Coordinators, whose mission it is to aggressively investigate and prosecute misuse of taxpayer-funded benefits in Massachusetts.” Members of the public are encouraged to report suspected benefit fraud by calling 1-855-SCAM-MA-1 (855-722-6621).
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced formation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division supporting President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud—a government-wide initiative chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance aimed at eliminating fraud within federal benefit programs.
The U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts advances community initiatives on civil rights enforcement and violence prevention; maintains offices at the John Joseph Moakley United States Federal Courthouse in Boston with branches in Springfield and Worcester; employs over 200 attorneys, paralegals and staff; enforces federal laws through prosecution including national security threats; serves all residents statewide; and operates as part of the Department of Justice, according to its official website.
