⏱ 2 min read
Jesus Matos Perez, 52, and William Jose Alejandro Arias Amador, 45, two Dominican nationals, were sentenced on July 9, 2026, in U.S. District Court in Rhode Island for running a decade-long scam that exploited American citizens’ identities to swindle Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and unemployment benefits. The scheme, which lasted approximately ten years, netted Perez around $75,000 in illicit benefits. The question remains: how did these individuals manage to fly under the radar for so long?
According to court documents, Perez used the stolen identities of two American citizens to fraudulently obtain the benefits, while Amador used a stolen identity to receive Medicaid and SNAP benefits after his release from prison. The Department of Justice has made it clear that protecting taxpayer-funded benefit programs from fraud is a top priority.
The cases were prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dulce Donovan and Special Assistant United States Attorney John Moreria, with investigations conducted by the United States Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General, and the Department of Health and Human Services. First Assistant United States Attorney Charles C. Calenda emphasized that the sentences serve as a warning to those who would exploit government programs for personal gain.
Perez was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to illegal entry, false representation of a social security number, healthcare and wire fraud. Amador received a 12-month and one-day sentence after pleading guilty to similar charges. As the Department of Justice continues to crack down on federal benefits fraud, it’s clear that those who engage in such activities will face serious consequences.
📋 Key Facts
- Crime: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Defendant: Rhode Island
- Location: RI
- Source: DOJ Press Release
