Jose Lopez Rosado, Social Security Fraud and Identity Theft, Massachusetts 2018

In a shocking case of identity theft, Jose Lopez Rosado, a 51-year-old Worcester man, pleaded guilty to Social Security fraud and aggravated identity theft in federal court. Lopez Rosado's true identity was not known until he was arrested in July 2018, as part of a federal law enforcement sweep of 25 individuals accused of document and benefit fraud.

According to court documents, Lopez Rosado escaped from prison in Puerto Rico in 1994 while serving a 40-year sentence for second degree murder. He is currently in state custody on unrelated charges.

Lopez Rosado pleaded guilty to one count of false representation of a Social Security number and one count of aggravated identity theft. The charge of false representation of a Social Security number provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. The charge of aggravated identity theft provides for a mandatory sentence of two years in prison, one year of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000.

Lopez Rosado used the identity of another U.S. citizen to apply for a duplicate Massachusetts driver's license on February 9, 2016, and received MassHealth benefits using the same identity. His sentencing is scheduled for October 31, 2019.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling announced the guilty plea, along with several other law enforcement officials who investigated the case.

Lopez Rosado's case highlights the need for vigilance in protecting personal identity and preventing identity theft. His sentence will serve as a reminder to those who engage in such crimes of the serious consequences they face.

The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigation's Document and Benefit Fraud Task Force, comprised of local, state, and federal agencies with expertise in detecting, deterring, and disrupting organizations and individuals involved in various types of document, identity, and benefit fraud schemes.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/pr/worcester-man-pleads-guilty-social-security-fraud-and-identity-theft