Leah B. Foley United States Attorney for the District of Massachusetts | Department of Justice
A Dominican national living unlawfully in Dorchester, Massachusetts was arrested and charged with healthcare benefit fraud and aggravated identity theft, according to a May 6 announcement by federal authorities.
The case involves allegations that Manuel Antonio Baez, age 52, used the stolen identity of a U.S. citizen to obtain government benefits. Prosecutors say Baez falsely represented himself as a U.S. citizen when applying for healthcare benefits in Massachusetts and submitted a sworn affidavit claiming citizenship. Authorities allege he received over $80,000 in MassHealth benefits using the stolen identity. In addition, Baez is accused of committing drug offenses under the same name, including convictions for trafficking heroin in 2018 and possession with intent to distribute a Class B substance in 2007.
Baez faces charges of falsely representing a Social Security number, making false statements relating to health care matters, and aggravated identity theft. Each charge carries potential prison sentences of up to five years or more and fines up to $250,000. The aggravated identity theft charge mandates an additional two-year sentence consecutive to any other imposed sentence. Upon completion of any sentence imposed, Baez is subject to deportation.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley announced the creation of the Benefit & Voter Fraud Team on March 26 as part of efforts to address widespread 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," Foley said.
On April 7, the Department of Justice also announced the formation of its National Fraud Enforcement Division dedicated to investigating those who steal or misuse taxpayer dollars as part of President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance.
Members of the public are encouraged by officials to report suspected benefit fraud by calling 1-855-SCAM-MA-1 (855-722-6621).
The U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts handles prosecutions for federal crimes—including civil rights violations—and operates offices throughout Boston, Springfield, and Worcester while employing over 200 staff members according to the official website. The office serves all residents across Massachusetts.
