PROVIDENCE – A Central Falls woman who lived under a stolen identity for approximately two decades has been sentenced in federal court in Rhode Island.
Marilyn Vazquez, 57, was sentenced on October 22, 2026, by U.S. District Court Chief Judge John J. McConnell Jr., to two years’ probation and ordered to pay $54,713.98 in restitution. Vasquez previously pleaded guilty to false representation of a Social Security number, health care fraud, and wire fraud.
According to court documents, Vazquez assumed the identity of a family member beginning in the mid‑2000s and used the fraudulent identity to obtain a Rhode Island driver’s license, apply for and maintain employment as a nursing assistant, and receive public benefits. Investigators determined that the defendant’s conduct caused more than $54,000 in financial loss.
“Identity theft is never a victimless crime,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Charles C. Calenda. “The consequences of the defendant’s actions extended far beyond financial loss, demonstrating the lasting harm that can result when someone assumes another person’s identity. Our office remains committed to pursuing accountability for those who engage in this type of fraud.”
“For nearly twenty years, this defendant concealed her true identity in order to obtain taxpayer-funded benefits through fraud,” said Special Agent in Charge Roberto Coviello of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “Identity theft and government benefits fraud harm both victims and taxpayers. HHS-OIG remains committed to investigating and holding accountable those who exploit public benefit programs for personal gain.”
The case was prosecuted by Executive Assistant United States Attorney Dulce Donovan and Special Assistant United States Attorney John M. Moreira.
The matter was investigated by the HHS-OIG.
Source: U.S. Attorney’s Office — Rhode Island — U.S. Department of Justice press release.