Central Maine Man Pleads Guilty to Theft of VA Benefits
A 63-year-old Chelsea man pled guilty to theft of travel reimbursement benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Victor Lawrence falsely submitted 77 claims to the VA between 2015 and 2016 for travel reimbursement, according to court records. He claimed he had driven nearly 100 miles to the the Togus VA Medical Center. Lawrence lived less than six miles away.
Sentencing will take place after completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office. He faces a $250,00 fine and up to 10 years in jail.
The investigation was conducted by the Criminal Investigation Division of the V.A. Office of the Inspector General.