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WPRO News and the Associated Press
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) – A Westerly man has pleaded guilty to false claims for flood damage reimbursement, unemployment benefits and food stamps.
The Providence Journal reports that Donald S. Gingerella of Westerly pleaded guilty Friday in U.S. District Court to theft of government funds valued at $82,346.
The office of U.S. Attorney Peter F. Neronha says the false claims included flood damage to a nonexistent business he reported was under six feet of water, disaster unemployment tied to Superstorm Sandy and receiving food stamps to which he was not entitled.
Gingerella pleaded guilty to two counts of theft of government property and one count of Social Security fraud. He faces up to 25 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on Dec. 11.
