BOSTON – A former Haverhill man was sentenced on Sept. 30, 2026 in federal court in Boston for receiving stolen Social Security disability benefits over a period of more than five years.
Christopher D. Leon, 56, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs to one day of prison deemed served and three years of supervised release. Leon was also ordered to pay $87,817 in restitution. In June 2026, Leon pleaded guilty to one count of receiving stolen government money or property. Leon was charged in May 2026.
Leon received approximately $87,817 in stolen Social Security disability benefits from November 2019 through August 2025. Leon lived with an applicant for Social Security disability benefits at the time of her death. After her death, the Social Security Administration (SSA) mailed a notice of award to Leon’s address. Once the Social Security benefits began to be paid via direct deposit to the decedent’s bank account, Leon used the deceased beneficiary’s debit card to access the improperly paid funds through ATM cash withdrawals each month.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Amy Connelly, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General, Boston–New York Field Division made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Nagelberg of the Major Crimes Unit prosecuted 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, 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.