KNOXVILLE, Tenn.- On Jan. 16, 2013, Martha Ann Kaczmarczyk, 63, of Knoxville, Tenn., was sentenced to serve 20 months in federal prison today by the Honorable Thomas W. Phillips, U.S. District Judge, for fraudulently obtaining disability payments from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Social Security Administration.
As part of the scheme, Kaczmarczyk assisted her husband in obtaining disability payments based on a false claim of combat-related Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. Additionally, Kaczmarczyk herself defrauded the Social Security Administration by falsely claiming that she was disabled due to a back injury. In addition to the 20 month prison sentence, Kaczmarczyk was ordered to pay $326,390.90 in restitution to the VA and Social Security Administration.
“These benefits are intended for our veterans. The outcome of this case sends a message to all who consider trying to falsely obtain veteran benefits. We will continue to prosecute those who wrongfully receive government benefits," said U.S. Attorney Bill Killian.
The investigation was a joint effort between the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General, Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General, and the U.S. Air Force.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary Bolitho represented the United States.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
