Charleston Man Sentenced to Repay $297,000 for Fraudulent VA Disability Claims

Charleston Man Sentenced for Fraudulent VA Disability Claims

Charleston is in the spotlight after a recent court ruling that highlights the issue of dishonesty surrounding veteran benefits. A former Air Force civil engineer, William Rivers, 56, has been ordered to pay back nearly $300,000 in veteran disability payments that prosecutors say he collect fraudulently while earning a hefty salary.

The Sentencing Details

On October 22, U.S. District Judge Bruce Howe Hendricks announced Rivers’ sentence, which includes time served in prison and three years of supervised release. Rivers will need to repay a total of approximately $297,000 to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) after being found guilty of defrauding the system for about five years.

The judge’s comments revealed a strong sentiment against Rivers’ actions, as federal prosecutors painted him as “simply a thief.” The scheme reportedly occurred between 2015 and 2020. Rivers allegedly claimed on his disability payment applications that he was unemployed, all while managing his own construction business and earning about $467,000 annually.

Rivers’ Justification

Rivers, who operated WRM Construction and Engineering in North Charleston, was arrested in September 2021, and he pleaded guilty to the charges in May of this year. During his court appearance, he expressed remorse and claimed he misunderstood the paperwork related to VA disability, believing his role as a contractor did not disqualify him from the benefits. “I wasn’t physically doing work,” he argued. Rivers claimed he had always aimed to aid fellow veterans and expressed regret over the situation with the VA.

The Conflict

His attorney, Thad J. Doughty, emphasized Rivers’ honorable service in the Air Force, where he served during the Gulf War and faced injuries while performing his duties. Doughty mentioned that Rivers started his business in 2011 with assistance from a federal grant aimed at helping veterans.

However, Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Kittrell countered that Rivers’ pattern of behavior suggests a deeper issue of trustworthiness. Kittrell revealed that Rivers had a history of writing bad checks, which raised questions about Rivers’ claims of remorse, especially since his parents had passed away before his arrest.

The Court’s Perspective

Judge Hendricks dismissed arguments that centered around administrative disputes regarding the paperwork, emphasizing that the critical point was Rivers’ obligation to repay the stolen amount. “The taxpayer will be better served in not incarcerating him,” she stated. Rivers was instructed to make monthly payments of $2,000 towards his restitution. Based on this plan, the total repayment could extend to over 12 years without accruing any interest on the amount owed.

Comparing Cases

This ruling comes on the heels of another case in which a resident was sentenced to five years of supervised release for stealing funds from vulnerable veterans, showcasing that fraud against veterans is taken very seriously in the courts.

Wrapping Up

As the community reflects on this case, it serves as a reminder of the responsibility associated with receiving public funds and the importance of integrity in serving those who have served our country. Rivers’ situation has sparked conversations about the complexities of the VA system and what it means to be a veteran in a world where such programs are often misused.

To stay updated on such cases or if you have any tips, feel free to reach out to local news reporters covering these essential community issues!