Dana Whidbee, Social Security Number Misuse, MA 2024

BOSTON – Dana Whidbee, 53, of South Boston, copped a plea in federal court today, admitting she used bogus Social Security numbers to game the system. The case, a testament to the enduring problem of identity theft, highlights the lengths some will go to for employment and a roof over their heads – and the federal crackdown that follows.

Whidbee, also known as Dana De Alasei, pleaded guilty to two counts of falsely representing a Social Security number. U.S. District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel set sentencing for June 22, 2017. The indictment against Whidbee was handed down back in March 2017, kicking off a probe by multiple federal agencies.

According to court documents, Whidbee deployed the fake numbers in September 2013 when applying for a job. She then used a different false number in May 2014 in a bid to secure housing. The details of the employment and housing applications weren’t immediately released, but investigators have likely pieced together a full picture of her scheme.

The charge carries a potential sentence of up to five years in the federal pen, along with three years of supervised release post-imprisonment. A hefty fine of $250,000 – or twice the gross gain or loss resulting from the fraud, whichever is larger – also looms. However, federal sentencing guidelines often result in lighter punishments than the maximum penalties allowed by law.

The feds involved in bringing Whidbee to justice included Acting United States Attorney William D. Weinreb, Scott Antolik, Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Boston Field Division; Matthew Etre, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; and David W. Hall, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Diplomatic Security, Boston Field Office. The prosecution is being handled by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Burzycki of Weinreb’s Major Crimes Unit.

This case serves as a reminder that identity theft is a serious federal crime with real consequences. While Whidbee’s ultimate sentence remains to be seen, the guilty plea is a significant step toward accountability. Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on the sentencing when it occurs.