Massachusetts Man Arrested After 32 Years of Stolen Valor Fraud

A Pittsfield man faces federal charges after allegedly stealing a U.S. Army veteran's identity for more than three decades to obtain medical care, Social Security benefits, and housing reserved for those who served.

James D. Sommers was arrested on March 5, 2026, at Soldier On, a transitional housing facility in Pittsfield that provides shelter to homeless veterans. Federal prosecutors say Sommers has been living under another person's name since at least 1994, fraudulently accessing benefits meant for a veteran who served honorably in the Army from 1979 to 1982.

The Scope of the Alleged Fraud

Prosecutors allege Sommers obtained nearly $30,000 in medical care and medications from Veterans Affairs medical centers across Massachusetts. He also collected thousands of dollars in Social Security benefits using the stolen identity.

The scheme continued until February 20, 2026, when Sommers allegedly sought medical treatment at the VA Medical Center in Northampton under the victim's name. This visit triggered the investigation that led to his arrest two weeks later.

A Pattern of Criminal Activity

Court documents reveal that Sommers accumulated multiple criminal convictions in New York State between 1994 and 2011, all under the victim's stolen identity. These convictions include:

• Criminal possession of stolen property
• Intent to obtain transportation without paying
• Sale of a controlled substance
• Possession of a forged instrument
• Attempted grand larceny
• Grand larceny
• Forgery

Each conviction added to the real veteran's criminal record, potentially affecting background checks, employment opportunities, and reputation for more than 30 years.

How the Fraud Remained Undetected

The case raises questions about how someone could maintain a false identity for three decades while repeatedly interacting with government agencies. Sommers allegedly used the stolen identity to access VA medical facilities, receive Social Security payments, and secure housing at a veteran-specific shelter without detection.

Soldier On, where Sommers was arrested, operates emergency and transitional housing programs specifically for veterans experiencing homelessness. The organization provides safe housing options and support services to help veterans transition to permanent homes.

Federal Charges and Potential Penalties

Sommers has been charged with one count of making false statements, a federal offense that carries serious consequences. If convicted, he faces up to five years in federal prison, three years of supervised release after his sentence, and fines reaching $250,000.

He remains in federal custody and is scheduled to appear in federal court on March 9, 2026.

The Investigation

The case was announced by United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Christopher Algieri, Special Agent in Charge of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General, Northeast Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven H. Breslow of the Springfield Branch Office is prosecuting the case.

The charging documents represent allegations only. Sommers is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.

Impact on the Real Veteran

While prosecutors have not publicly identified the actual veteran whose identity was stolen, the impact of such fraud extends beyond financial losses. The victim's service record, criminal history, and personal reputation were all compromised for more than 30 years while Sommers allegedly lived under his name.

The case highlights ongoing challenges in preventing identity theft targeting veterans, particularly when fraudsters use stolen identities to access benefits and services reserved for those who served in the military.

 

The charging documents represent allegations only. Sommers is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.