Man accused of filing fake Boston Marathon claim
This undated image provided by the Office of Massachusetts Attorney General shows Branden Mattier, 22, who was arrested Tuesday, June 2, 2013. Mattier allegedly made a false claim seeking nearly $2.2 million from The One Fund, the main compensation fund for Boston Marathon bombing victims. Mattier, of Boston, was charged with attempted larceny and identity theft after he allegedly claimed that his long-dead aunt had both legs amputated as a result of the April 15 attacks. (AP Photo/Office of Massachusetts Attorney General)
BOSTON >> A Boston man has pleaded not guilty to making a fake claim of nearly $2.2 million to the main compensation fund for Boston Marathon bombing victims.
Bail was set at $30,000 for 22-year-old Branden Mattier at his arraignment Wednesday on charges of attempted larceny and identity theft. He’s also required to surrender his passport and undergo GPS monitoring.
Prosecutor Gina Masotta says Mattier told The One Fund his long-dead aunt lost her legs in the April 15 attacks that killed three people and injured more than 260. She said Mattier was arrested Tuesday when he accepted a fake check from an undercover state trooper.
Defense attorney Claudia Lagos told The Boston Globe that Mattier wants to fight the case. A police report said Mattier told state police he intended to help people with the money.
