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Joel Gonzalez Pleads Guilty to Stealing Over $68,000 from Medicaid and SNAP
Joel Gonzalez, a/k/a Joel Gonzalez De La Cruz, a/k/a Joel Cruz, a/k/a Joel King, 40, pleaded guilty in federal court to making False Statements, according to U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young.
Gonzalez, who is currently in New Hampshire state custody for unrelated charges, used a stolen identity to defraud Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) of more than $68,000.
Between July 2019 and November 2023, Gonzalez filled out additional applications for Medicaid and SNAP benefits using the stolen identity, all of which were made under penalty of perjury.
The $68,580.65 in benefits he fraudulently received were paid out between July 2019 and November 2023, while Gonzalez maintained a Facebook account under the alias "Joel King," where he posted a photo of an "Employee of the Month" certificate identifying himself using the stolen identity.
The charge of False Statements provides for a sentence of up to 5 years in prison, up to 3 years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater.
Sentencing for Gonzalez is scheduled for December 18, 2024, before U.S. District Court Judge Samantha D. Elliot.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Office of Inspector General and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of the Inspector General led the investigation, with valuable assistance provided by the New Hampshire Department of Corrections, Manchester Police Department, and Homeland Security Investigations.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen is prosecuting the case.
Key Facts
- State: New Hampshire
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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