WORCESTER, Mass. (AP) - A Massachusetts man has pleaded guilty to stealing the identity of a disabled man and using his Medicare benefits for medical treatment.
The Telegram & Gazette reports that 57-year-old Jose Agosto, of Worcester, entered his plea Wednesday.
Prosecutors say Agosto lived with a relative of the victim. Court records show Agosto acknowledged he began using the victim’s identity in July 2000 in order to avoid a warrant for his arrest.
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Agosto told the court he used the victim’s identity to obtain driver’s licenses and Social Security cards, open bank accounts and bill Medicare for $140,000.
He faces up to 20 years in prison and more than $250,000 in fines. As part of his plea agreement, Agosto is also expected to repay the government $11,000 in restitution.
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Information from: Telegram & Gazette (Worcester, Mass.), http://www.telegram.com
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