Maine Man Pleads Guilty to Fraud, Theft of SSI and SNAP Benefits

A Maine man has pleaded guilty to fraud charges after an investigation found that he was working while collecting disability benefits.

Who Was Charged in This Case?

According to the United States District Attorney for the State of Maine, Rick Greene, 56, of Livermore Falls pleaded guilty earlier this month to Social Security fraud, health care fraud, and theft of public money.

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Were Details of the Fraud Released?

Court documents revealed that Greene hid the fact that he was self-employed and was, in fact, working while collecting benefits from the Social Security Administration. In addition, he hid assets that he knew would have affected his eligibility to receive those funds. Supplemental Security Income is paid to people with limited income who are blind, disabled, or elderly. Greene also hid his income and assets from the Maine Department of Health and Human Services in order to maintain his eligibility for Maine Care and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as SNAP. The amount paid to recipients of these programs is also determined by the individual's need.

Officials say that Greene falsely represented to SSA and Maine DHHS in multiple benefit eligibility reviews that his only income was from SSI. He also failed to report assets in the form of real property and vehicles, while fully aware that doing so would affect his eligibility to receive benefits.

What are the Penalties for These Charges?

Greene now faces up to five years in prison on the Social Security fraud and healthcare fraud charges and up to ten years for the charge of theft of public money. He could also be fined up to $250,000 and receive up to three years of supervised release on all charges. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office.