Bradenton Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Fraud Scheme Involving Government Benefits

A 69-year-old Bradenton woman has been sentenced to 15 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to multiple fraud-related charges tied to the misuse of government benefits and identity deception.

U.S. District Judge Daniel Hovland handed down the sentence to Jane Doe, also known as Rosario Alaniz, following her guilty plea in December 2025. The court also ordered her to pay $184,904.75 in restitution.

According to court records, Doe obtained a United States passport through fraudulent means and used the false identity to access federal assistance programs. Through this scheme, she received Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits from the Department of Agriculture and disability insurance benefits from the Social Security Administration.

Investigators determined that Doe failed to disclose employment while collecting benefits, allowing her to receive payments she was not entitled to or in amounts exceeding eligibility limits. In total, she improperly obtained approximately $184,904.75 in government funds.

The case was announced by U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe and involved a multi-agency investigation. Agencies participating in the investigation included the Diplomatic Security Service, the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General, Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ilyssa M. Spergel, with forfeiture proceedings handled by Assistant United States Attorney Suzanne C. Nebesky.

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