A Lewiston woman, Donna Desrosiers, was sentenced in U.S. District Court in Portland for committing Social Security fraud. Judge Nancy Torresen handed down a sentence of one year of probation and ordered Desrosiers to repay $90,674 in restitution. Desrosiers had entered a guilty plea on October 21, 2024.
Court records indicate that Desrosiers began receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits in 2003. At the time of her application, she was informed about the necessity to report any changes regarding her household composition, income, or resources. Despite being reminded during a 2012 eligibility review and several times thereafter about these obligations, she failed to disclose that her husband was part of her household or that he contributed financially.
In 2022, although she acknowledged being married since 2003—the same year she became eligible for SSI—Desrosiers claimed they did not live together. However, an investigation revealed that the couple maintained a joint bank account where their funds were deposited.
During an interview with investigators in October 2022, Desrosiers admitted that her husband lived with her at least part-time each month over the past eleven years. When asked what would have happened if she had reported his presence in the household, she stated: “They would probably take my check.” From 2011 to 2022, it was determined that Desrosiers fraudulently collected approximately $90,674 in SSI benefits.
The case was investigated by the Office of the Inspector General of the Social Security Administration.
