Couple Accused of $267,000 Benefits Fraud and GoFundMe Scheme
By Michael Mcstay
BROCKTON, Mass. — A Bridgewater couple has been arraigned in Brockton Superior Court on allegations that they fraudulently obtained more than $267,000 in state and federal government benefits by falsely claiming they were an unmarried, single-parent household.
Rachel Kadis, 32, and Brian G. Ferreira, 34, are facing multiple theft and fraud charges following an investigation involving the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office, Bridgewater Police, the Social Security Administration’s Office of Inspector General and the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance.
According to prosecutors, Kadis allegedly misrepresented her family’s living arrangements and financial circumstances to obtain benefits through programs including Supplemental Security Income (SSI), the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and MassHealth.
Investigators allege Kadis and Ferreira were married and living together with their four children. However, Kadis allegedly represented herself as an unmarried mother living alone with her children and receiving no support from Ferreira.
Prosecutors allege Kadis went as far as altering a lease to remove Ferreira’s name and then used the allegedly forged documents as evidence of a single-parent household.
Investigators also allege Kadis provided false sworn testimony and written statements concerning the couple’s marital status, household composition, resources and living arrangements.
According to the investigation, Ferreira was living in the family home, earning income through employment and had access to employer-provided family health insurance. Investigators also allege he received additional monthly payments from the Veterans Administration and took paid leave to care for his wife and children.
Prosecutors contend Ferreira knowingly benefited from the government assistance, including food benefits and additional household income.
Both defendants pleaded not guilty during their arraignments. Their appearances were waived for their next hearing, which is scheduled for September 28.
The couple is also facing another criminal case involving an alleged GoFundMe fraud scheme.
According to prosecutors, an unhoused Bridgewater man reported to police in June 2025 that Kadis and Ferreira had raised money through a GoFundMe campaign intended to help him but had not provided him with the funds.
The campaign, titled “Support Greg’s Journey to Stability,” was launched by Kadis on March 11, 2025, and reportedly raised approximately $17,800.
The intended recipient died on July 1, 2025, without receiving the money.
After an investigation, authorities determined that the couple allegedly created the fundraising campaign under the appearance that it was for charitable purposes but used the money for their own expenses.
Prosecutors allege that when GoFundMe required the couple to return the remaining funds so donors could be refunded, Kadis and Ferreira borrowed money through revolving credit accounts to satisfy the demand.
The allegations remain accusations, and Kadis and Ferreira are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
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