A 73-year-old New Smyrna Beach man has pleaded guilty to receiving stolen government funds after federal prosecutors say he fraudulently obtained nearly $245,000 in veterans’ disability benefits by falsely claiming to be legally blind.
Jerry Smith pleaded guilty to one count of receiving stolen government funds, according to the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida. He could be sentenced to up to 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 performing various daily activities. Based on these representations, Mr. Smith received $244,953.70 in Veterans Disability Compensation and related benefits between 2017 and 2021.
Authorities argued that Smith’s actual visual ability was significantly better than what was reported during vision tests and in statements to the Veterans Administration. Investigators said that while receiving benefits, Smith was able to drive, read, navigate stores and obstacles, operate cash registers and drive-through ATMs, and work as a firearms specialist and school custodian.
The incident 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 follows the U.S. Department of Justice’s April 7 announcement of the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Office, which federal officials said will focus on investigating and prosecuting fraud involving taxpayer-funded benefit programs. The effort is also supported by President Donald Trump’s Task Force to Combat Fraud, which is chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance, officials said.
