Medford Woman Scammed $100K+ Benefits: DOJ

MEDFORD, MA — A Medford woman was arrested Friday and charged in federal court in Boston with fraudulently receiving Social Security disability benefits, Medicare, MassHealth and Food Stamps, the U.S. Attorney's Office said.

Stephanie DiPierro, 37, was charged with three counts of theft of public funds, two counts of making false statements, and one count of falsely representing a Social Security number.

DiPerro is alleged to have stole $73,288 in Social Security benefits, $8,455 in Medicare benefits, $8,615 in MassHealth benefits and $17,929 in Food Stamps between Oct. 2007 and May 2017, according to the indictment unsealed Friday. She allegedly told the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance that she did not have any income other than her Social Security benefits, but she actually was receiving income as a result of her work as a personal care attendant, according to the indictment.

In March 2016 while working as a personal care attendant, DiPierro allegedly falsely informed Social Security that she did not take care of anyone else. DiPierro also is alleged to have falsely represented her Social Security number on a time sheet submitted in with her work as a personal care attendant.

DePierro could face prison time and/or large fines.

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