A former benefits service representative with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in Providence has pleaded guilty to a six-count indictment, including charges of bribery, extortion, gratuity received by a public official, and witness tampering. This was announced by Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom.
Michael Darrah, aged 47 and residing in Taunton, Massachusetts, admitted to soliciting and accepting bribes from veterans and a family member of a veteran to approve requested dependent care benefits or disability benefits. Darrah reportedly claimed that some of the money would be used to buy gift cards for other purported VA employees who he said could expedite and approve benefit claims.
The indictment details the extent of Darrah's actions:
- He requested payments totaling approximately $3,385 from one veteran to expedite a disability benefits claim.
- He sought and accepted $16,566 from another veteran for similar purposes.
- From a relative of a third veteran, Darrah accepted $2,700 to expedite the veteran’s benefits claim. Additionally, he demanded approximately $5,000 as a "gratuity" for his efforts in getting other VA employees to expedite these claims. Notably, this request came despite being informed that the veteran faced homelessness due to foreclosure.
Upon learning about the investigation into his activities, Darrah attempted to persuade a witness not to cooperate with authorities and instructed them to lie about payments made to him.
Darrah is scheduled for sentencing on October 14, 2025. The sentence will be determined by a federal district judge after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines along with other statutory factors.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter I. Roklan and Ly T. Chin are prosecuting the case. The investigation was conducted by several agencies including the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs - Office of Inspector General, FBI, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, United States Postal Inspection Service, and Veterans Administration Police.
