Fitchburg woman pleads guilty to government benefits fraud

BOSTON » A Fitchburg woman pleaded guilty Monday to fraudulently receiving Social Security disability benefits, MassHealth and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, according to a press release from the office of U.S. Attorney Andrew Lelling.

Rhonda Bernal, 62, pleaded guilty to three counts of theft of public funds and two counts of making false statements. In July 2019, Bernal was arrested and charged, according to Lelling’s office.

According to court documents, over a period of about eight years Bernal stole $71,462 in Social Security benefits, $6,444 in MassHealth benefits and $13,505 in SNAP benefits (previously known as food stamps).

In February 2015, Bernal falsely informed the state’s Department of Transitional Assistance that she was the only person in her household when, in fact, she was living with her husband. In addition, Bernal falsely told Social Security in April 2016 that she and a relative, who was not her husband, were the only members of her household, according to court documents.

U.S. District Court Judge Timothy S. Hillman scheduled sentencing for April 5, 2021.

The charges of theft of public funds 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 false statements 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.