Randolph Dominguez, COVID Relief Fraud & Social Security Theft, Massachusetts 2025

A Lawrence man has been caught and is facing serious consequences for his crimes. Randolph Dominguez, 57, pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of theft of government money in federal court in Boston.

Dominguez fraudulently obtained $74,900 in EIDL funds from the SBA in July 2020 when he claimed falsely on his EIDL application that his gross business revenue was $600,000 the previous year, when it was only $16,989. The funds were then used for non-business expenses, further exacerbating the situation.

In addition to the COVID-19 relief fund fraud, Dominguez stole approximately $163,642 in Social Security benefits from April 2001 through April 2023. His father was receiving Social Security benefits at the time of his death in March 2001, but the death was never reported to the Social Security Administration (SSA). Dominguez used his deceased father’s debit card to withdraw the improperly paid benefits at ATMs and to make purchases more than 22 years after his death.

The charge of wire fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. The charge of theft of government money provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater.

United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Amy Connelly, Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Boston Field Division made the announcement. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Nagelberg of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.

Randolph Dominguez, the defendant, will be sentenced on May 21, 2025. The exact outcome of the case remains to be seen, but it is clear that Dominguez has committed serious crimes and will face the consequences.

The case is a reminder of the importance of reporting and accountability in our society. It is also a testament to the dedication of law enforcement and the justice system in bringing those who commit crimes to justice.

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