Army veteran Charles Adams pleaded guilty to stealing over $100,000 in disability benefits by falsely claiming various medical conditions. His actions were discovered after he posted videos of heavy workouts on Instagram while claiming that he could barely perform daily tasks due to his alleged disabilities.
Key Points:
- Charles Adams, 50, admitted to the theft of $106,245 in government funds and now faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. He was also ordered to pay back the stolen money.
- Adams falsely claimed he was unable to bend, squat, or lift more than 25 pounds due to a condition. However, he was found to be performing strenuous workouts, including on the day of his disability hearing.
- The fraudulent scheme began in 2017, with Adams applying for increased disability benefits, citing degenerative disc disease and arthritis. He told medical workers he struggled to get out of bed and couldn’t stand for long.
- Federal agents initiated surveillance on Adams after spotting Instagram videos of him lifting heavy weights. In 2021, they witnessed him walking without difficulty and carrying trash bags, contrasting with his later slow pace and use of a cane during a medical exam.
- Adams was indicted by a grand jury in 2022, which led to the discontinuation of his benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs. His sentencing is scheduled for October 25, 2023.
Source: https://www.stripes.com/theaters/us/2023-07-26/veteran-fraud-workout-10860961.html
