Bristol Woman Accused Of $40K Social Security Scam

BRISTOL, RI — A Bristol woman is accused of defrauding the government out of more than $40,000 in fraudulent Social Security Supplemental Security Income benefits. Sonia Pimental, 43, was charged with bank fraud, theft of public funds and aggravated identity theft.

According to Rhode Island U.S. Attorney Zachary Cunha's Office, Pimental collected benefits from December 2011 to October 2016. During that time, she claimed to have custody of a child that did not live with her, and told officials that she used the benefits to pay for the child's needs. According to court documents, she opened a bank account in the child's name and had the SSI benefits deposited there. In reality, she withdrew the money, which totaled more than $42,000, for personal use.

Pimental was also accused of using the child's name, social security number, bank account number and date of birth to apply for the fraudulent benefits

In court this week, Pimental pleaded not guilty and was released on $10,000 bond.