Providence Fraudster Ramirez Rodriguez Pleads Guilty

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – In a stunning admission, Diomedes Ramirez Rodriguez, 48, a Dominican national from Providence, has pleaded guilty to using another person’s Social Security number to defraud the Rhode Island Medicaid Managed Care Program and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). According to court documents, Rodriguez stole $39,023 in health care benefits and over $7,000 in SNAP benefits. The fraudulent activities spanned from 2014 to 2020. In addition to the financial fraud, Rodriguez also obtained a Rhode Island identification card under false pretenses.

Acting United States Attorney Richard B. Myrus announced the charges against Rodriguez, who faces substantial penalties for his actions. Ramirez Rodriguez has been charged with false representation of a Social Security number, health care fraud, theft of public money, and false representation of citizenship.

The court documents detail how Rodriguez used the stolen Social Security number to gain unauthorized access to Medicaid Managed Care Program funds. He also applied for SNAP benefits under the same fraudulent identity, leading to substantial financial losses for both programs.

Not content with merely stealing money, Ramirez Rodriguez further misrepresented his citizenship status in 2018 to obtain a Rhode Island identification card through false representation. His deceitful activities were uncovered after an extensive investigation by multiple federal agencies, including Homeland Security Investigations and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service Office of Inspector General.

Scheduled for sentencing on February 28, 2022, Rodriguez’s actions have sparked a wave of concern over identity theft and fraud within public assistance programs in Rhode Island. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul F. Daly, Jr., is handling the prosecution of this case.

This matter underscores the importance of vigilance against identity theft and the necessity for robust security measures to protect sensitive personal information. As a result of Rodriguez’s actions, federal agencies and state authorities are working together to tighten security protocols and prevent future fraud attempts.