Fake Veteran Charged with Impersonating Soldier to Obtain VA Benefits, Prosecutors Say

Massachusetts authorities have arrested a man accused of impersonating an Army veteran for more than three decades, during which time he allegedly received thousands of dollars in VA medical care and committed numerous crimes under the stolen identity.

James D. Sommers was taken into custody on Thursday, March 5, at a transitional housing facility for veterans where he had been residing under false pretenses. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts, Sommers faces one count of making false statements, though investigators allege his deception began in 1994 and continued for 32 years.

Federal prosecutors claim Sommers systematically exploited the identity of an honorably discharged Army veteran who served from 1979 to 1982. Through this elaborate scheme, Sommers allegedly obtained nearly $30,000 worth of medical care and prescription medications from multiple VA facilities, along with thousands of dollars in Social Security benefits.

As recently as February 20, Sommers reportedly used the stolen identity to receive treatment at the VA Medical Center in Northampton, Massachusetts. Authorities have not disclosed the identity of the veteran Sommers is accused of impersonating, nor have they indicated whether Sommers knew his alleged victim or the victim’s current whereabouts.

The investigation, conducted jointly by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the VA’s Office of Inspector General, revealed a pattern of criminal activity extending far beyond benefit fraud. According to prosecutors, Sommers used the veteran’s identity to commit multiple crimes in New York state between 1994 and 2011, resulting in several convictions.

These convictions include serious offenses such as forgery, grand larceny, attempted grand larceny, sale of controlled substances, and evading transportation fares. Curiously, authorities noted that Sommers’ actual age remains unknown, highlighting the extent to which he has obscured his true identity.

This case underscores ongoing concerns about identity theft targeting veterans and the vulnerability of VA systems. Veterans Affairs has struggled in recent years to strengthen verification procedures while maintaining accessibility for the millions of former service members who legitimately rely on its services.

Veteran identity theft has become increasingly common, with the Federal Trade Commission reporting thousands of cases annually. The theft often targets not only VA benefits but also military pensions, disability payments, and healthcare services. Such crimes can have devastating consequences for actual veterans, who may find their benefits interrupted or their medical records compromised.

The Department of Justice has prioritized prosecuting cases of stolen valor and veteran benefit fraud in recent years. These cases are particularly troubling because they divert limited resources from veterans with genuine needs while potentially compromising the integrity of programs designed to support those who served.

If convicted, Sommers faces significant legal consequences, including up to five years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000. The case may also prompt additional charges related to identity theft, fraud, and improper receipt of government benefits.

Federal authorities have not released details about how Sommers’ scheme was ultimately discovered after three decades, nor have they clarified whether the actual veteran whose identity was stolen had been aware of the situation. Court documents detailing the full extent of the charges were not immediately available.

The case continues to develop as investigators work to determine the full scope of Sommers’ activities and whether additional victims may have been affected by his alleged decades-long deception.