Fall River woman arrested for stealing Social Security disability benefits

BOSTON – A Fall River woman was arrested today for fraudulently receiving Social Security disability benefits.

Gloria Camara, 60, was indicted on one count of theft of public funds and one count of making a false statement. She is scheduled to appear before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Dein at 3:30 p.m.

According to the indictment, over a period of ten years, Camara stole approximately $88,175 in Social Security benefits. In April 2017, she falsely told the Social Security Administration that her only income came in the form of unemployment compensation benefits and wages from two companies when she was also earning income as a caregiver.

The charge of theft of public funds provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. The charge of making a false statement provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Scott Antolik, Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Boston Field Division, made the announcement today. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Burzycki of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.