Boston man indicted for Social Security, passport fraud

BOSTON — A Boston man was indicted Tuesday for illegally receiving disability payments and making false statements on passport applications. The indictment follows a joint investigation by the Social Security Administration's Office of the Inspector General and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

The indictment alleges that from 2004 to 2013, Antonio Pulinario-Brea, 54, illegally received more than $60,000 in Social Security disability payments under another person's identity. It also alleges in 2010 and 2011, Pulinario-Brea used the alias to apply for U.S. passports.

The offenses carry a maximum penalty of up to 10 years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine.

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