Joanna Boyer Convicted of $29K Social Security Fraud

Joanna Boyer, 44, of Rehoboth, Massachusetts, was found guilty today of stealing more than $29,000 in federal Supplemental Security Income benefits through a years-long scheme built on lies and concealed assets. A federal jury in Boston convicted her after a three-day trial on one count of Social Security fraud, two counts of making false statements, and one count of theft of public money.

From 2010 to 2015, Boyer unlawfully collected need-based SSI payments reserved for individuals with little to no financial resources—all while hiding her ownership of a condominium in Fall River, Massachusetts. Despite being directly questioned by Social Security Administration personnel, she twice denied owning any real estate beyond her Rehoboth home, a deliberate deception that kept the checks flowing.

The fraud unraveled when investigators uncovered property records contradicting her sworn statements. Federal prosecutors proved that Boyer’s ownership of the Fall River unit disqualified her from receiving benefits, yet she continued to collect $29,000 she knew she wasn’t entitled to. Each false claim was a calculated move to exploit a system meant to protect the most vulnerable.

At sentencing, set for March 8, 2017, before U.S. District Judge Denise J. Casper, Boyer faces up to five years in prison on each fraud and false statement count, and up to 10 years for theft of public money. All charges carry fines up to $250,000 or double the loss, whichever is greater, plus three years of supervised release. Federal judges typically impose sentences below the statutory maximum based on sentencing guidelines and case specifics.

The case was brought by United States Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz and Scott Antolik, Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration’s Office of the Inspector General. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Landry and Assistant U.S. Attorney Anne Paruti of Ortiz’s Major Crimes Unit handled the prosecution, building a case rooted in paperwork, property records, and plain fraud.

Boyer’s conviction sends a hard message: federal benefit systems are not for the taking. When individuals like her game the system, federal investigators will track them down, and juries will hold them accountable. The fallout now rests with Judge Casper—who will decide just how steep the price will be.