Former Massachusetts State Senator Dean A. Tran found himself on the wrong side of justice yesterday, convicted on multiple counts of wire fraud and filing false tax returns. After a six-day trial, evidence showed that Tran, 48, of Fitchburg, illegally collected unemployment benefits and hid significant income from the IRS.
While claiming $30,120 in pandemic unemployment assistance, Tran worked as a consultant for the Automotive Parts Company, based in New Hampshire—an income he did not report, according to a statement released by Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. Additionally, from 2020 to 2022, Tran received undisclosed income from renting his property in Fitchburg. U.S. District Court Chief Judge F. Dennis Saylor, IV has set the sentencing for this former public servant for December 4, 2024.
"Dean Tran defrauded the government out of unemployment benefits he had no right to receive," Levy stated. "Our office and our law enforcement partners are committed to holding accountable public officials who lie and steal for personal gain," as reported by the U.S. Attorney's Office. Further emphasizing the gravity of Tran's actions, Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent-in-Charge for the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Northeast Region, said, "The jury’s verdict affirms the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General’s commitment to investigate allegations of fraud involving the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) unemployment insurance (UI) program."
The implications of Tran's conviction are wide-ranging, signaling an ongoing effort to maintain integrity within government relief programs. Harry Chavis Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Boston Field Office, underscored this commitment, "The conviction of Dean Tran demonstrates the IRS’s commitment to the prosecution of all who choose to break the law, even elected officials." Jodi Cohen from the FBI's Boston Division also weighed in, stating that the FBI remains determined to root out those who attempt to exploit government systems, as noted by the U.S. Attorney's Office.
As the case moves toward sentencing, Tran faces the possibility of a substantial time behind bars. Wire fraud charges alone may lead to up to 20 years in prison along with hefty fines, shedding light on the severe consequences of manipulating systems meant to aid Americans during crisis points such as the COVID-19 pandemic. For further insight, the Department of Justice has made resources available online to detail their responsive measures to pandemic-related fraud and provide avenues for the public to report suspicious activities surrounding COVID-19 relief efforts.
