A Berwick woman has admitted to deceiving the Social Security Administration and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments and housing voucher subsidy benefits. Andreanna Politano, 59, pleaded guilty to Social Security fraud and theft of public money in U.S. District Court in Portland, Maine, on .
According to court records, Politano concealed the presence of her husband in her household from March 2009 to February 2020 to maintain her eligibility to receive SSI payments. She also concealed her husband’s presence from HUD from January 2018 to June 2021, during which time she received housing voucher subsidy benefits. Politano’s husband had sufficient income to render her ineligible for the benefits she received.
In multiple reviews of her eligibility for benefits, Politano falsely represented to the Social Security Administration that she and her husband had separated in October 2008 and had lived separately since that time. In an interview with law enforcement agents, she admitted concealing her living situation from SSA and HUD because she knew it would make her ineligible to receive benefits.
Politano faces up to five years in prison on the Social Security fraud charge and up to 10 years in prison on the theft of public money charge, a fine of up to $250,000 on each charge, and up to three years of supervised release. She will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The investigation was conducted by SSA’s Office of the Inspector General and HUD’s Office of the Inspector General.
Politano’s case serves as a reminder of the importance of integrity and honesty in the application process for government benefits. Individuals who deceive the government to receive benefits face serious consequences, including lengthy prison sentences and substantial fines.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maine will continue to work with law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute those who engage in Social Security fraud and other forms of public benefit theft.
Related Federal Cases
- Christie Mitchell, Social Security Fraud, Maine 2024 · Pennsylvania
- Daniel Fitzsimmons, Social Security Disability Insurance Fraud, ME · Texas
- Luis Medina, Social Security Document Fraud, ME 2023 · New Hampshire
- Kelly L. McCabe, Social Security Benefits Fraud, ME 2023 · Massachusetts
- Letitia James Warns of Social Security Scams, New York, 2023 · Alabama
Key Facts
- State: Maine
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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