New Hampshire veteran admits to faking need for wheelchair to claim $660,000 in extra benefits

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CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — A New Hampshire veteran has admitted that he faked his need for a wheelchair for 20 years while claiming more than $660,000 in benefits he was not entitled to.

Christopher Stultz, 49, of Antrim, pleaded guilty Thursday in U.S. District Court to one count of making false statements. He faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison when he is sentenced on May 6.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office said that in early 2003, Stultz claimed he could no longer use his legs, leading the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to rate him as 100% disabled and increase his monthly benefits. . They were also given money to buy special cars and customize them.

Prosecutors said Stultz was “observed on multiple occasions” while walking normally. Prosecutors said that in 2021, he used a wheelchair inside the VA Medical Center in Boston, but after getting out, he stood up and lifted the wheelchair into his car, and then drove to a mall and around various stores. gone. He said he did similar work after leaving the Manchester VA Medical Center the following year.

Prosecutors said several witnesses also reported that they had never seen Stultz use a wheelchair in the past 20 years.

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