A US military veteran, Christopher Stultz, has been sentenced to 18 months in prison for faking a disability to receive over $660,000 in benefits. Stultz, 49, from New Hampshire, claimed he was unable to walk for over 20 years, despite being able to walk normally.
Stultz joined the Navy in 1995 and suffered a spinal cord injury after falling off a horse. He was honorably discharged in 1999 and received partial disability benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). However, in 2003, he falsely claimed he could no longer use his feet, and the VA increased his benefits to 100% disabled.
Over the years, Stultz received nearly $190,000 in funding for adapted cars to help mobility-impaired veterans, but instead sold them for cash. He was also recorded walking without impairment on multiple occasions, contradicting his claims of being unable to walk.
The investigation began after a concerned citizen reported Stultz's suspicious behavior. Prosecutors gathered evidence, including surveillance footage and interviews with people in Stultz's life, revealing he was in good physical condition and walked normally.
Stultz was diagnosed with factitious disorder, a condition where a person falsely acts as if they have a physical or psychological illness. His attorneys argued that this condition likely contributed to his fraudulent behavior, but the court still sentenced him to prison time.
US Attorney Jane Young stated, "This is one of the most egregious benefits fraud cases ever prosecuted in this state... He stole not only from taxpayers but also his fellow veterans who were entitled to the benefits."
In addition to his prison sentence, Stultz was ordered to pay $662,871.77 in restitution, the total amount he received in disability benefits. This case highlights the importance of protecting taxpayer funds and ensuring that benefits go to those who genuinely need them.
Stultz's actions not only defrauded the government but also disrespected the sacrifices of genuine veterans who rely on these benefits. His case serves as a warning to those who would consider committing similar fraud and a reminder of the consequences of such actions.
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