By Tiffany Williams –
LOWELL, Mass. — A federal grand jury has indicted a Lowell man accused of using a stolen identity to fraudulently obtain tens of thousands of dollars in pandemic relief and government assistance benefits, federal authorities announced.
Arvaro Montero Diaz, 40, was indicted on two counts of wire fraud, two counts of aggravated identity theft, one count of theft of government money and one count of SNAP fraud. The indictment follows his arrest on March 9, 2026, when he was initially charged by criminal complaint.
According to federal authorities, Montero Diaz was released on pretrial conditions following a detention hearing on March 12, 2026. He is expected to appear in federal court in Boston at a later date.
Prosecutors allege that Montero Diaz, a citizen of the Dominican Republic who has been unlawfully residing in the United States since approximately 2007, used the identity of a U.S. citizen to obtain government benefits for which he was not eligible.
According to the indictment, Montero Diaz allegedly used the stolen identity to apply for and receive approximately $30,000 in unemployment benefits made available through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, commonly known as the CARES Act. The federal program was established to provide financial assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Federal authorities further allege that Montero Diaz used the same identity to apply for and receive approximately $14,000 in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, commonly known as SNAP benefits and previously referred to as food stamps.
The case represents another federal prosecution involving alleged misuse of pandemic-era relief programs and government benefit systems. Investigators contend that the benefits were obtained through the unauthorized use of another person’s identity, resulting in payments that should not have been issued.
The indictment formally charges Montero Diaz with multiple federal offenses, including wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, which carry significant penalties upon conviction. However, the charges contained in the indictment are allegations, and Montero Diaz is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The case will continue in U.S. District Court in Boston. Federal prosecutors have not announced a date for Montero Diaz’s next court appearance.