KNOXVILLE—Charles Kaczmarczyk, 58, of
Knoxville, Tennessee, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court to four
charges resulting from a scheme to defraud the U.S. Department of Veterans
Affairs (VA) and the Social Security Administration of approximately $457,986
in disability payments based on a false claim of posttraumatic stress disorder.
Sentencing has been set for December 12, 2012, before U.S. District Court Judge
Thomas W. Phillips. Kaczmarczyk faces a maximum term of 10 years in prison,
along with forfeiture and restitution. He was ordered to remain in custody
pending his sentencing hearing.
As set forth in the plea agreement,
Kaczmarczyk received disability payments from the VA and Social Security
Administration based on a claim of posttraumatic stress disorder originating
from his participation in special operations combat missions both during and
after the Vietnam War. According to the plea agreement, Kaczmarczyk did not
actually participate in those special operations combat missions. He fabricated
the information so that he could receive disability payments from the VA and
Social Security Administration. The plea agreement states that Kaczmarczyk
supported his fraudulent activity by manufacturing counterfeit U.S. Air Force
records showing that he had earned numerous combat medals, including two Purple
Hearts and two Silver Stars.
The investigation was a joint effort
between the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Veterans
Affairs-Office of Inspector General, Social Security Administration-Office of
Inspector General, and the U.S. Air Force.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary Bolitho
represented the United States.
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