Belchertown Man Convicted of Social Security Fraud

From the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Massachusetts

BOSTON – A Belchertown man was convicted today by a federal jury of fraudulently receiving Social Security disability benefits.   

Kenneth Pontz, 59, was convicted following a three-day jury trial of one count of theft of public funds. Pontz was arrested and charged in June 2022. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 4, 2024. 

Over a period of more than six years, Pontz stole approximately $49,929 in Social Security disability benefits.

The charge of theft of public funds provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Sharon MacDermott, Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Boston Field Division; and Belchertown Police Chief Kevin Pacunas made the announcement today. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Nagelberg and Assistant U.S. Attorney Neil L. Desroches of the Criminal Division prosecuted the case.

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