Hartford man indicted for fraud in social security, unemployment, and food stamp benefits

HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — A man faces charges of wire fraud related to fraudulent acquisition of social security, unemployment, and food stamp benefits.

The indictment, returned on May 1, 2024, accuses Ricardo Santiago, 58, of three counts of wire fraud. He pleaded not guilty to the charges then released on a $25,000 bond.

According to the indictment and statements made in court, Santiago held various jobs between 2002 and 2024, earning a total income exceeding $500,000. He concealed this income from federal and state government agencies by using false identification, including another individual’s social security number and card, and in one instance, a falsified social security card.

The indictment alleges that Santiago applied for Retirement Survivors Disability Insurance (RSDI) benefits in 2002, claiming disability and stating he was unable to work.

As a result, he began receiving RSDI payments in September 2002, ultimately collecting over $300,000 in payments to which he was not entitled.

In February 2017, Santiago applied for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits through the Connecticut Department of Social Services (CT-DSS), falsely representing that he earned no income from employment. He received SNAP benefits starting in March 2017 and made purchases exceeding $17,000 with those benefits.

Then, in April 2020, Santiago applied for Unemployment Insurance benefits through the Connecticut Department of Labor (CT-DOL), using another individual’s social security number. He falsely represented to CT-DOL and the U.S. Department of Labor that he was unemployed but available and physically able to work. Santiago received over $35,000 in payments to which he was not entitled.

If convicted, Santiago could face up to 20 years in prison for each count of wire fraud.

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