Massachusetts Woman Indicted for Stealing Government Benefits

A Norwood woman was arrested today in connection with fraudulently receiving federal workers’ compensation benefits and disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA).

Karen Nolan, 64, was indicted on two counts of theft of public funds and two counts of making false statements. Nolan will make an initial appearance this afternoon before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Jennifer Boal.

According to the charging document, from approximately November 2017 through August 2021, Nolan repeatedly stole federal workers’ compensation benefits, as well as Social Security disability benefits from approximately July 2019 through August 2021. It is alleged that in April 2019, Nolan falsely reported to the SSA that she had not worked since 2017 due to a medical disability but was actively employed at a dermatology practice at the time. It is further alleged that Nolan made similar false statements to the Department of Labor, Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs in May 2021.

The charges of theft of public funds each provide 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 charges of making a false statement each provide 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.

Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Christopher Algieri, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General, Northeast Field Office; Jermaine Jack, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Boston Field Division; and Kate Mulligan, Chief of Investigations, Insurance Fraud Bureau of Massachusetts, made the announcement today. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Burzycki of Mendell’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.

The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.