A New Bedford resident, Joseph Smith, has been sentenced to 23 months in prison for stealing over $450,000 in disability benefits meant for a veteran of the United States Marine Corps. The sentencing was handed down by U.S. District Court Judge Julia E. Kobick and includes two years of supervised release along with an order to pay restitution totaling $459,550.86.
Smith pleaded guilty in September 2024 to charges of theft of government benefits and conspiracy to steal government benefits after being charged in June 2024.
The case involves the theft of monthly disability payments issued by the United States Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) starting in September 2015. These payments were intended for a Marine Corps veteran diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) but were diverted by Smith and others between 2015 and 2020. The checks were initially deposited into accounts controlled by Smith before he began depositing them into a fraudulently opened account under the victim's name.
U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy commented on the case stating, "Every American owes a debt of gratitude to the men and women who have worn the uniform. Stealing from them is simply immoral and Mr. Smith will now pay a heavy price for his egregious betrayal."
Inspector Ketty Larco-Ward from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service emphasized their commitment to protecting veterans' benefits: "Joseph Smith egregiously stole a disabled veteran’s benefits to enrich himself."
Special Agent Christopher Algieri highlighted that this sentence serves as a warning against defrauding VA programs: "This sentence sends a clear message that individuals who steal VA benefits from disabled veterans will be held accountable."
Amy Connelly, Special Agent from the Social Security Administration Office, stated, "Mr. Smith admitted to stealing federal disability benefits... This sentence holds him accountable for his role in this deplorable conspiracy."
The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Levy along with representatives from related agencies involved in prosecuting the case.