Hidel Romero Sanchez, Passport and Benefits Fraud, Massachusetts 2020

Defendant Sentenced for Passport and Benefits Fraud

BOSTON – A Dominican national was sentenced today in federal court in Boston in connection with making fraudulent statements on a passport application and an application for MassHealth benefits. Hidel Romero Sanchez, 42, a Dominican national residing in Dorchester, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper to time served (approximately 14 months in prison), 18 months of supervised release, and ordered to pay forfeiture and restitution of $26,000 to MassHealth and $3,800 to Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance.

According to court documents, in January 2020, Romero Sanchez pleaded guilty to making a false statement on a passport application and a false statement on an application for MassHealth benefits. He admitted to using the identification of a U.S. citizen to obtain a Connecticut driver’s license, a U.S. passport, MassHealth benefits, Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, and subsidized housing benefits.

Romero Sanchez also admitted to using this false identity in employment documents, including when submitting a criminal record check form for a job at a local children’s hospital, and thus hiding prior cocaine trafficking charges that were pending under his true name.

U.S. Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Michael Shea, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Abely of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.

The sentencing marks the latest development in a long-running investigation into passport and benefits fraud. Romero Sanchez’s actions demonstrate a blatant disregard for the law and a willingness to exploit the trust placed in him by his community.

As a result of his actions, Romero Sanchez has been held accountable and will face the consequences of his actions. The U.S. Attorney’s Office remains committed to protecting the integrity of our passport and benefits systems and will continue to vigorously pursue those who seek to exploit them.

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