U.S. Attorney Carlton S. Shier IV | U.S. Department of Justice
A Shelbyville resident, Jeremy Wayne Harrell, 43, has been sentenced to six months in prison for theft of government benefits. The sentence was handed down by U.S. District Judge Gregory Van Tatenhove on Monday.
Evidence presented at Harrell's trial revealed that he unlawfully obtained funds from the United States through U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Individual Unemployability (IU) disability payments, which he was not eligible to receive.
Harrell initially received IU benefits in 2011. However, in 2019, he founded Veterans Club, Inc., serving as its Founder and CEO. From 2019 to 2023, Harrell engaged in substantial work activities for the organization, including working 40-60 hours weekly, managing assets and volunteers, conducting media interviews, speaking at events, and more. This level of activity demonstrated his capability for substantial gainful employment, disqualifying him from receiving IU benefits during this period.
Furthermore, evidence showed that Harrell made false statements to the government regarding his daily life and work activities. He portrayed himself as withdrawn and unable to work while actively leading a thriving organization. These misrepresentations were intended to maintain his eligibility for IU benefits fraudulently. In total, Harrell improperly received over $128,000 in IU benefits.
Following his prison term, Harrell will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for one year; six months will include home detention.
The sentencing announcement was made jointly by Carlton S. Shier IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and VA Inspector General Michael J. Missal.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General with Assistant U.S. Attorney James T. Chapman prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.
