A New York woman is being charged with wire fraud, federal financial aid fraud and aggravated identity theft.
According to a June 15 Department of Justice news release, Catherine Seemer, 42, of Elmsford, was arrested on a charge of federal financial aid fraud in connection with allegations she gained more than $10.5 million in student loans based on false medical records claiming permanent disabilities.
“Tracking down those who cheat the federal student aid programs is a priority of our office. The [Office of Inspector General] is committed to fighting student aid fraud in all its forms and we will continue to pursue anyone who participates in these types of crimes,” Terry Harris, special agent in charge of the Department of Education OIG, said in the release.
According to the news release, U.S. Attorney Damian Williams noted the Total and Permanent Disability Discharge Program helps individuals with permanent mental or physical disabilities by wiping away student loan allegations. Seemer allegedly swindled the program for her own financial gain by using the credentials of more than a dozen medical doctors and faking the disabilities of more than 100 student loan applicants to conduct the scheme over several years, receiving more than $10.5 million in fraudulent loans.
Williams also noted the U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work with local law enforcement to ensure it is protecting the integrity of student loan programs, the release reported.
According to the release, FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Michael J. Driscoll noted Seemer conducted the discharge of the student loans for borrowers she claimed were eligible for a wide range of relief programs and even received more than $1 million from borrowers who paid her for her services.
