⏱ 2 min read
James D. Sommers, a Pittsfield, Massachusetts man, has been impersonating a US Army veteran for over 30 years to swindle thousands of dollars in benefits. Sommers, whose age is unknown, allegedly used a stolen identity to obtain medical care at Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers and nearly $30,000 in benefits. The scam began as early as 1994 and continued until his arrest in March 2026 at Soldier On, a facility for military veterans in Pittsfield.
Sommers faces one count each of health care fraud, false statements, and aggravated identity theft. His indictment reveals a shocking pattern of deception, with numerous prior convictions in New York State under the victim’s name for crimes including possession of stolen property, sale of a controlled substance, and forgery.
The most recent incident occurred on February 20, 2026, when Sommers impersonated the victim to obtain medical care at the VA Medical Center in Northampton, Massachusetts. If convicted, Sommers could face up to 17 years in prison, including a mandatory consecutive sentence of two years for aggravated identity theft.
Sommers remains detained in federal custody, awaiting his trial. The case is a disturbing example of the lengths to which individuals will go to exploit the system and deceive others for personal gain.
📋 Key Facts
- Crime: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Defendant: Massachusetts
- Location: MA
- Source: DOJ Press Release
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