Jerry Smith, a 73-year-old resident of New Smyrna Beach, pleaded guilty on May 4 to one count of receiving stolen government money. Smith could face up to 10 years in federal prison, according to U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
Smith admitted that he falsely claimed to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs that he was legally blind and unable to drive, work, or perform daily functions due to his vision conditions. Based on these claims, Smith received $244,953.70 in VA disability compensation and benefits between 2017 and 2021.
Investigators determined that Smith's vision was much better than he had reported during eye examinations and in statements made to the VA. Authorities said Smith was able to drive vehicles, read print materials, navigate stores without assistance, conduct transactions at cash registers and ATMs, and worked as a firearms specialist as well as a school guardian.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs – Office of Inspector General and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diane S. Hu.
In related developments announced April 7, the Department of Justice established the National Fraud Enforcement Division with a mission "to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars." The department said its efforts support President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud—a government-wide initiative led by Vice President J.D. Vance aimed at eliminating fraud within federal benefit programs.
