“John Doe” from Lawrence Sentenced for Identity Fraud Charges

BOSTON – An individual previously residing in Lawrence who has been living under a false identity was sentenced today in federal court in Boston on charges arising from his use of the name and Social Security number of a U.S. citizen.

An individual referred to as “John Doe” was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge William G. Young to 40 months in prison and three years of supervised release. On June 4, 2021, Doe pleaded guilty to false representation of a Social Security number, making a false statement concerning a health care benefit program and aggravated identity theft.

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Beginning in approximately 2014, Doe used the identity of a U.S. citizen to apply for MassHealth benefits and Massachusetts identification documents, among other things. Between approximately 2014 and 2018, Doe received approximately $25,081 in MassHealth benefits, to which he was not entitled. Doe’s identity remains unknown.

Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; and Phillip M. Coyne, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mackenzie Duane and Benjamin A. Saltzman of Mendell’s Major Crimes Unit