A New Bedford man has been apprehended and stands accused of committing a disturbing financial offense against a United States Marine Corps veteran. The veteran, afflicted with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), was allegedly defrauded of over $450,000 in veterans' disability benefits by 71-year-old Joseph Smith, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office. Smith is charged with theft of government benefits and conspiracy to steal government benefits.
Following the veteran’s diagnosis of ALS in August 2015, the U.S. Veterans Benefits Administration began delivering monthly disability payments. These benefits, reportedly reaching roughly $8,318 per month, were sent to the veteran's previous address - a residence he shared with one of Smith's relatives prior to being hospitalized. According to federal prosecutors, between 2015 and 2020, the victim's checks were allegedly redirected by Smith, and possibly others, into accounts they managed for their personal use.
"The immorality exposed by the criminal justice system is, at times, simply stunning," Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy commented on the case, as detailed on the U.S. Attorney's Office. Ketty D. Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service's Boston Division, echoed this sentiment, underscoring the particularly despicable nature of the crime given that it targeted "a vulnerable member of our community" who served the country with pride.
Multiple agencies have been involved in bringing the allegations to light, including the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Social Security Administration. If convicted of these charges, Smith faces a possible sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a financial penalty of either $250,000 or twice the amount of monetary illicit gain, whichever is more. His court appearance is scheduled for June 11, 2024, at 12:30 p.m.
While the accusations describe a breach of trust and honor against a defenseless veteran, it's important to note that they remain just that—accusations. As outlined in the announcement, Smith is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. The case is currently being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin A. Saltzman of the Securities Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit.
