Webster Man Charged with Government Theft

BOSTON – David Brunell, 55, of Webster was arrested today and charged in federal court in Worcester with one count of theft of government money. Brunell was released on conditions following his appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge David H. Hennessy.

According to the indictment, Brunell embezzled more than $1,000 in funds from the Social Security Administration between January 2004 and May 2017.

Brunell faces a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000.  Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. 

Acting United States Attorney William D. Weinreb and Scott Antolik, Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Boston Field Division, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney William F. Abely of Weinreb’s Worcester Branch Office is prosecuting the case.

The details contained in the indictment are allegations.  The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.