⏱ 2 min read
Manuel Antonio Baez, a 52-year-old Dominican national, has been arrested and charged with healthcare benefit fraud and aggravated identity theft in Massachusetts. Baez, who was residing in Dorchester, allegedly used a stolen identity to obtain over $80,000 in MassHealth benefits. The suspect has a history of drug offenses, including a 2018 conviction for trafficking heroin and a 2007 conviction for possession with intent to distribute a Class B substance.
According to charging documents, Baez used the stolen identity of a U.S. citizen, including their social security number, to apply for healthcare benefits in Massachusetts. He submitted a sworn affidavit falsely claiming to be a U.S. citizen and ultimately obtained the benefits using the stolen identity. Baez also committed drug offenses in the name of the U.S. citizen.
The charges against Baez include one count of falsely representing a Social Security number, one count of making false statements relating to health care matters, and one count of aggravated identity theft. Each charge carries significant penalties, including up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. The charge of aggravated identity theft also carries a mandatory two-year sentence to run consecutively to any other sentence imposed.
The case highlights the importance of combating healthcare benefit fraud and identity theft in Massachusetts. The creation of the Benefit & Voter Fraud Team, announced by United States Attorney Leah B. Foley on March 26, 2026, aims to tackle these issues and bring perpetrators to justice.
📋 Key Facts
- Crime: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Defendant: Massachusetts
- Location: MA
- Source: DOJ Press Release
