FLORIDA MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO FAKING BLINDNESS IN ORDER TO STEAL 245 THOUSAND DOLLARS IN VA BENEFITS

PEOPLE

 

Florida Man Pleads Guilty to Faking Blindness in Order to Steal $245,000 in VA Benefits

By Kimberlee Speakman  Published on May 9, 2026 05:27PM EDT

 

A Florida man admitted in a plea deal to faking blindness in order to steal nearly a quarter of a million dollars from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

 

Jerry Smith, 73, pleaded guilty to one count of receiving stolen government money, the U.S. Attorney's Office Middle District of Florida announced in a May 4 press release.

 

According to Smith’s plea agreement, he “falsely represented” to the VA’s office that he was “legally blind” and that his lack of vision “prevented him from driving, working and performing various daily functions,” according to the D.A.’s office.

 

“In reality, Smith’s vision was significantly better than what he had represented during eye examinations and in his statements to the VA,” the D.A.’s office said in a statement.

 

The 73-year-old could “drive, read, navigate around people and obstacles in stores” and “conduct transactions at cash registers and drive-through ATMs” without assistance. He also worked as a “firearms specialist and school guardian” during the time he was allegedly blind.

 

As a result of his scheme, Smith received nearly $245,000 in VA disability compensation and benefits between 2017 and 2021.

 

It is unclear how the VA found out about his true condition or what prompted the investigation into him.

 

The D.A.’s office said Smith faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. His sentencing date has not yet been scheduled.

 

Smith’s prosecution comes one month after the Department of Justice (DOJ) stepped up its fraud enforcement.

 

On April 7, the DOJ announced the creation of its National Fraud Enforcement Division to “investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars,” according to the D.A.’s office.

 

In March, President Donald Trump announced that he had established the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud to “eliminate fraud, waste and abuse within Federal benefit programs.”

 

“Fraud and mismanagement in these programs constitutes theft of the hard-earned tax dollars from Americans paying into these programs, and of the benefits owed to Americans who need them,” the White House said in a statement.