Crime & Safety

Man Arrested for $2-Mil False Claim to One Fund Using Dead Aunt's Name

The following article is based on a press release from the Massachusetts Attorney General's office, and where charges are mentioned, it does not indicate a conviction.

By David Ertischek

A South End man allegedly submitted a $2.195 million claim to the One Fund Boston, saying his dead aunt - who's been dead for more than 10 years - suffered double amputations from the Boston Marathon bombings. 
Branden Mattier, 22, was arrested at his home on Tuesday, July 2, after an undercover Massachusetts state trooper gave him a "simulated check" made out for $2.195 million, according to apress release from Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley's office. He was charged with attempted larceny of more than $250 and identity theft.

“We allege that this defendant attempted to defraud The One Fund of more than $2 million,” said Coakley. “Because every dollar was allocated to victims, he sought to take these funds away from real victims of the Marathon attack and from the thousands of people who had so generously given to help those who truly need it. We commend The One Fund for uncovering this and for referring it to our office for further investigation.”


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com.