BOSTON – A Dominican man unlawfully residing in Salem, Mass. was charged by criminal complaint allegedly unlawfully obtaining approximately $16,000 in MassHealth benefits and aggravated identity theft.
Cledis German Romero, 40, has been charged with healthcare benefit fraud and aggravated identity theft and appeared in federal court in Boston on Nov. 3, 2026. He has been detained pending further proceedings.
According to the charging documents, German Romero allegedly used the stolen identity of a U.S. citizen to obtain Massachusetts state driver’s licenses and healthcare benefits, including approximately $16,205 in MassHealth benefits. German Romero also allegedly used the stolen identity of the U.S. citizen in connection with multiple arrests and criminal convictions in Massachusetts, including resisting arrest and conspiracy to violate the controlled substances act.
The charge of making false statements relating to a health care program provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of aggravated identity theft provides for a mandatory consecutive sentence of two years and one year of supervised release. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of any sentence imposed. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Jeff Grimming, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Catherine Conroy of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
On March 26, 2026, United States Attorney Leah B. Foley announced the creation of the Benefit & Voter Fraud Team, a district-wide initiative established in response to the rampant fraud being uncovered across Massachusetts. Members of the public are encouraged to report suspected benefit fraud in Massachusetts by calling 1-855-SCAM-MA-1 (855-722-6621).
On April 7, 2026, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The Fraud Division is investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
