OCALA, Fla. – A Marion County man has been indicted for fraud relating to alleged theft from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
On Thursday, United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announced the return of an indictment charging Paul Lesslie Thompson, 69, of Anthony, with one count of receipt of stolen government property. If convicted, Thompson faces up to 10 years in federal prison and an order of forfeiture for at least $1,169,327.54, which represents the proceeds of the alleged offense charged in the indictment.
According to the indictment, between May 1993 and December 2022, Thompson willfully received, concealed, and retained $1,169,327.54 that was stolen from the VA through Veterans Affairs Disability Compensation.
An indictment is merely an allegation that a defendant has committed a federal criminal offense. Every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
This case is being investigated by the Department of Veterans Affairs – Office of Inspector General. Hannah Nowalk, an Assistant United States Attorney, is prosecuting it.
