A New Hampshire veteran, Christopher Stultz, has pleaded guilty to a 20-year-long scheme of faking his need for a wheelchair to fraudulently claim over $660,000 in benefits he was not entitled to.
Stultz, 49, of Antrim, entered his guilty plea in the U.S. District Court, facing a maximum prison term of five years when he is sentenced on May 6.
The Deceptive Scheme
The US Attorney’s Office detailed the elaborate deception that allowed Stultz to manipulate the US Department of Veterans Affairs and secure unwarranted benefits.
According to prosecutors, the fraudulent activities commenced in 2003 when Stultz claimed he could no longer use his feet, leading the US Department of Veterans Affairs to rate him as 100% disabled. This enabled him to receive increased monthly benefits, along with additional funds to purchase and adapt special vehicles to accommodate his alleged disability.
The elaborate ruse began to unravel when investigators conducted surveillance on Stultz. On multiple occasions, he was observed walking normally despite his supposed disability. In a particularly damning instance in 2021, Stultz used a wheelchair inside a VA medical center in Boston, only to be caught standing up, lifting the wheelchair into his car, and later walking around a mall.
A similar incident occurred after he left a Manchester VA medical center the following year, further exposing the extent of his deceit.
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Veteran Betrayed by Two Decades of Fraudulent Claims
Several witnesses came forward to confirm that they had never witnessed Stultz using a wheelchair over the past two decades. These testimonies provided additional evidence of the veteran’s fraudulent activities, highlighting the significant impact of his deception on both the Department of Veterans Affairs and the genuine recipients of disability benefits.
With Stultz now admitting to one count of making false statements, he awaits sentencing on May 6, where he could face a maximum prison term of five years.
The case not only sheds light on the importance of maintaining the integrity of benefit systems but also underscores the need for vigilance and oversight to prevent fraudulent activities that can exploit such crucial programs.
The case of Christopher Stultz serves as a stark reminder of the lengths some individuals may go to exploit benefits meant for those genuinely in need.
As the legal proceedings unfold, it prompts a reflection on the importance of safeguarding systems designed to support veterans and others who rely on assistance.
The consequences of Stultz’s actions not only impact him personally but also highlight the broader need for diligence in ensuring the proper allocation of resources to those who truly require them.
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