THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, December 17, 2021 Page 5 Malden man sentenced to over three years in prison for PUA fraud and identity theft By Christopher Roberson W agner Sozi, 33, of Malden, was sentenced to 39 months in prison for stealing the identities of more than 60 individuals and using that information to submit fraudulent applications for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA). According to federal law enforcement officials, Sozi, who was sentenced on December 8, used stolen identity information to open retail credit accounts, rent cars and apply for PUA benefi ts. Federal authorities reported that a number of stolen identities came from a real estate company in Cambridge. Sozi lived with someone employed by the real estate company. ~ Guest Commentary ~ Lane Changes and Signal Improvements on Centre St., Eastern Ave., and Main St. By Councillor Stephen Winslow H ave you traveled down Centre St. / Route 60 this week and wondered what the new pavement markings are for? These have been painted as part of a collaboration between the City and MBTA to help move Maldonians more quickly and safely in Downtown. So, what’s happening? This project 1) created dedicated bus lanes and bike lanes on Centre St. and Main St., 2) IMPROVEMENTS | SEE PAGE 17 Working with an unnamed female accomplice, Sozi opened credit accounts at various Staples locations across Massachusetts using stolen identities. Although they were fraudulent, the accounts were approved by Staples Manager Ricardo Voltaire in exchange for $8,000 in kickbacks. The accounts were then used to purchase more than $80,000 in Visa gift cards. Sozi also used the stolen identities to purchase a Rolex valued at more than $15,000 and withdraw $5,000 in cash as well as rent a Dodge Charger and a Ford Mustang. On May 13, Sozi pleaded guilty to two counts of wire fraud, one count of aggravated identity theft and one count of making a false claim. In addition to 39 months in prison, Sozi will be on supervised release for two years and will pay $110,000 in forfeiture and restitution. On October 26, Voltaire pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. He will be sentenced on February 28, 2022. ~ Under New Ownership! ~ Robert’s Restaurant 251 Broadway, Rte. 99, Malden * (781) 397-0628 Hours: 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM Family-owned & Operated The BEST Breakfast & Lunch for 32 Years! Hungry Man New Yorker Breakfast Specials Bacon, Homefries, Toast or English Muffin $8.15 + Tax 3 Eggs, Sausage & $8.15 + Tax 3 Eggs, Sausage & Bacon, Homefries, & Toasted Bagel with Cream Cheese Baked Chicken & Spanish Rice $12.95 + Tax $7.00 + Tax Delicious Lunch Specials American Chop Suey WE CAN HELP PAY YOUR HEATING BILLS! Centre Street lanes You may qualify for ABCD’s Fuel Assistance Program and be eligible for as much as $1,030 towards your heating costs (oil, gas, or electric). Maximum benefit is $1,030 Household of 1 = $40,951 Household of 2 = $53,551 Household of 3 = $66,151 Household of 4 = $78,751 Eastern Avenue improvements Cold days are coming. ABCD’s got you covered. APPLY TODAY! Last day to apply is April 30, 2022 Residents of Boston, Brookline, and Newton: 178 Tremont Street, Boston, MA — 617.357.6012 Residents of Malden, Medford, Everett, Melrose, Stoneham, Winchester and Woburn: 18 Dartmouth Street, Malden, MA — 781.322.6284 Main Street Lanes
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