A Lewiston woman has been sentenced in U.S. District Court in Portland for committing Social Security fraud. Donna Desrosiers, aged 62, received a sentence of one year of probation and was ordered to repay $90,674 in restitution. Desrosiers had entered a guilty plea on October 21, 2024.
Court records reveal that Desrosiers began receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits in 2003. At the time of her initial application, she was informed about her obligation to report any changes regarding her household composition, income, or resources. During an eligibility review conducted in 2012, she was reminded again of these responsibilities but failed to disclose that her husband resided with her or contributed financially to the household.
Despite multiple reminders over the years about reporting obligations, it wasn't until 2022 that Desrosiers acknowledged being married but claimed they had not cohabited since she became eligible for SSI benefits in 2003. However, investigations found evidence indicating that the couple maintained a joint bank account.
In an interview with investigators in October 2022, Desrosiers admitted that her husband lived with her and stayed at her apartment for part of each month over the past eleven years. When asked what would have occurred if she had reported his presence, she stated: “They would probably take my check.” From 2011 to 2022, it was determined that Desrosiers fraudulently collected approximately $90,674 in SSI benefits.
The investigation into this case was conducted by the Office of the Inspector General of the Social Security Administration (SSA).