⏱ 2 min read
Kenneth Riel, a 51-year-old Winthrop man, was arrested for allegedly receiving $88,383 in stolen Social Security retirement benefits over a four-year period. The scam, which lasted from February 2019 to November 2023, involved Riel concealing the death of a benefit recipient to continue collecting the payments. Riel was taken into custody and released on conditions following an initial appearance in federal court in Boston.
The indictment charges Riel with one count of receiving stolen government money or property and one count of Social Security fraud-concealment. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in prison for the first charge and up to five years for the second, as well as significant fines.
The investigation was conducted by the Social Security Administration’s Office of the Inspector General, with assistance from the US Attorney’s Office. Special Assistant US Attorney James J. Nagelberg is prosecuting the case, which was announced by US Attorney Leah B. Foley and SSA Special Agent-in-Charge Amy Connelly.
The case is part of a broader effort by the Department of Justice to combat fraud and protect taxpayer dollars. The National Fraud Enforcement Division, established in April, is tasked with investigating and prosecuting those who steal or misuse government funds.
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📋 Key Facts
- Crime: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Defendant: Massachusetts
- Location: MA
- Source: DOJ Press Release
