Marion County Man Pleads Guilty To Disability Benefit Fraud Involving The Department Of Veterans Affairs

Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Paul Lesslie Thompson (70, Anthony) has pleaded guilty to receipt of stolen government property. Thompson faces up to 10 years in federal prison and an order of forfeiture for at least $1.16 million, which represents the proceeds of the offense. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to court records, on January 26, 1983, Thompson applied for United States Veterans Affairs (VA) Disability Compensation based on a loss of vision. Between May 1993 and December 2022, Thompson exaggerated the impairment during his VA vision examinations. Based on his false representations to the VA, he eventually received 100 percent disability compensation. Despite his claims to the VA, however, Thompson maintained a Florida driver license and passed multiple associated vision examinations with the Department of Motor Vehicles. Based on his exaggerated visual impairment, Thompson fraudulently received $1,169,327.54 from the VA in disability compensation.

This case was investigated by the Department of Veterans Affairs - Office of Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk.