Andres Santos, Aggravated Identity Theft, Pennsylvania 2021

Hazelton Man Sentenced to 24 Months’ Imprisonment for Aggravated Identity Theft in Connection with a Scheme to Unlawfully Obtain Government Benefits

SCRANTON, Pennsylvania – Andres Santos, age 39, of Hazelton, Pennsylvania was sentenced on March 30, 2021, by United States District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani to 24 months’ imprisonment for aggravated identity theft in connection with a scheme to unlawfully obtain various government benefits.

According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, on February 21, 2019, Santos used the name, social security number, and birth date of the victim, and misrepresented his citizenship status, in order to obtain social welfare benefits to which he was not entitled, specifically, Medicaid Medical Assistance benefits and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, in a total amount of approximately $11,000.00.

The case was investigated by Department of Homeland Security Investigations and the Pennsylvania Office of the State Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorney Jeffery St John prosecuted the case.

Santos will serve his 24-month sentence in a federal prison. His imprisonment is a result of his involvement in a scheme to obtain government benefits using false information.

The scheme, which occurred in 2019, resulted in Santos receiving approximately $11,000 in government benefits to which he was not entitled.

Andres Santos is a resident of Hazelton, Pennsylvania and was found guilty of aggravated identity theft in connection with the scheme.

The investigation into Santos’ scheme was a collaborative effort between the Department of Homeland Security Investigations and the Pennsylvania Office of the State Inspector General.

This case serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting personal information and preventing identity theft.

Santos’ sentence highlights the severity of the consequences for those who engage in identity theft and other white-collar crimes.

Related Federal Cases