A 73-year-old New Smyrna Beach man has pleaded guilty to receiving stolen government money after federal prosecutors said he fraudulently obtained nearly $245,000 in veterans’ disability benefits by falsely claiming he was legally blind.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida, Jerry Smith pleaded guilty to one count of receiving stolen government money. He faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not been announced.
Federal prosecutors said Smith falsely told the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs that his vision problems prevented him from driving, working, and carrying out various daily activities. Based on those representations, Smith received $244,953.70 in VA disability compensation and related benefits between 2017 and 2021.
Authorities alleged Smith’s actual vision capabilities were significantly better than what he reported during eye examinations and in statements to the VA. Investigators said Smith was able to drive, read, navigate around stores and obstacles, conduct transactions at cash registers and drive-through ATMs, and work as a firearms specialist and school guardian during the time he was receiving benefits.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Diane S. Hu is prosecuting the case.
The announcement comes after the U.S. Department of Justice on April 7 announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division, which federal officials said is focused on investigating and prosecuting fraud involving taxpayer-funded benefit programs. Officials said the initiative also supports President Donald Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance.
