A Bristol woman has been accused of defrauding the government out of over $40,000 in Social Security benefits meant for a child she did not care for.
Sonia Pimentel, 43, was arraigned in federal court in Providence, Rhode Island, on a federal indictment charging her with bank fraud, theft of public funds, and aggravated identity theft.
The indictment alleges that Pimentel fraudulently collected Social Security Supplemental Security Income (SSI) monthly payments from December 2011 through October 2016 by falsely representing herself as the custodial parent for a child who did not live with her.
Pimentel allegedly opened a bank account in the child’s name and directed the Social Security Administration (SSA) to deposit the SSI benefits into that account. She then withdrew approximately $42,346.73 for her own personal use.
The indictment also alleges that Pimentel used the child’s name, date of birth, Social Security number, and bank account number to file applications for continued SSI benefits and to open the bank account.
Pimentel pleaded not guilty to the charges before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Lincoln D. Almond and was released on $10,000 unsecured bond.
A federal indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Denise M. Barton, and the matter was investigated by the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General.
Pimentel is currently out on $10,000 unsecured bond.
Defendant: Sonia Pimentel
Criminal Charges: Bank fraud, theft of public funds, and aggravated identity theft
City and State: Providence, Rhode Island
Date: N/A (arrest date not specified)
Sentence or Outcome: Pleaded not guilty, released on $10,000 unsecured bond
Dollar Amount: $42,346.73
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Key Facts
- State: Rhode Island
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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