In a hearing in Leominster, Massachusetts, Dominican Raul Fernandez Vicioso received a two year federal prison sentence for his participation in a fraud that involved the illicit obtaining of food stamps and unemployment benefits. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts determined that the scheme generated income exceeding $1.1 million, of which the sentence orders restitution and forfeiture for equivalent amounts.
The scheme and its victims
According to court documents, Fernandez Vicioso operated El Primo Restaurant, located in Leominster, and used part of the food obtained fraudulently to prepare meals that he then sold to his customers. The investigation revealed that the group used stolen personal data from over 100 people to irregularly request public aid.
Most of the funds obtained came from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, where a total of $440,000 was destined for food. The resources were used to acquire large quantities of chicken, beef, pork, and other products in supermarkets and wholesalers.
Unemployment benefits and money laundering
Between 2020 and 2021, the same group took advantage of the unemployment program, using at least 29 identities in several states. Thanks to these maneuvers, over $700,000 in funds for supporting unemployed people during the pandemic were obtained.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office also identified the transfer of a part of the funds to individuals located in the Dominican Republic and Venezuela. In March, Fernandez Vicioso pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit SNAP fraud, electronic fraud, food benefit fraud, and money laundering.
Consequences and post-sentence supervision
The sentence includes three years of supervised release after serving the prison sentence. In addition, the court ordered the defendant to comply with the economic obligations determined, which include restitution and forfeiture of resources related to the case.
The judge emphasized the importance of protecting public assistance programs and the trust of citizens in federal justice. The decision aims to send a clear message about the severity of crimes against the social security system.
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