A New Bedford man, 62-year-old Anthony Patterson, was given a sentence today by U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs for committing Social Security disability fraud; his sentence includes time served (one day), three years of supervised release and six months of home confinement, along with an order to pay back $92,582 to the Social Security Administration, as reported by the Department of Justice.
After pleading guilty in June 2024 to one count of theft of government money, Patterson was accused of fraudulently collecting Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits from 2013 to 2023. These benefits are intended for individuals with limited financial resources, but during this period, he had undisclosed income and assets, including a business where he bred and sold show bulldogs for prices ranging from $3,000 to $7,000 each. The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Acting Special Agent in Charge Corwin Rattler of the Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Boston Field Division.
The fraudulent claims were substantiated by evidence that Patterson made false sworn statements about his marital status and living conditions during interviews with the SSA in 2012 and 2022. These statements were made to conceal additional household income and resources, which contributed to receiving ineligible benefits. This information was detailed in the announcement from the authorities involved in the case.
Moreover, Patterson had previously claimed to the SSA that, due to medical restrictions, he could not lift more than 20 pounds. However, reports later revealed that he was participating in weightlifting competitions where he lifted more than 400 pounds. This substantial improvement in his medical condition was never reported to the Social Security Administration, as required for those receiving disability benefits.
