New Bedford Man Sentenced for Social Security Fraud

BOSTON – A New Bedford man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for fraudulently receiving Social Security disability benefits.   

Anthony Patterson, 62, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs to time served (one day) and three years of supervised release, with six months to be served in home confinement. Patterson was also ordered to pay restitution of $92,582 to the Social Security Administration (SSA). In June 2024, Patterson pleaded guilty to one count of theft of government money. Patterson was charged in May 2024. 

From 2013 to 2023, Patterson collected Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, which are only available to people with limited financial means. During two interviews with SSA in 2012 and 2022, Patterson made sworn false statements regarding his marital status and living situation to conceal household income and resources. As a result, he collected $92,582 in SSI benefits that he was ineligible to receive.

In addition, Patterson failed to report work and income to SSA from his business breeding and selling show bulldogs for $3,000 to $7,000 each, which also would have exceeded the resource limits for SSI. 

Patterson also told SSA in 2007 that he could not lift more than 20 pounds because of restrictions from his doctor, but then participated in weightlifting competitions where he lifted over 400 pounds without informing SSA that his medical condition had improved as required for Social Security disability programs.

Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Corwin Rattler, Acting 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 James J. Nagelberg of the Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.