A former Army contractor and his girlfriend have been sentenced after engaging in a years-long scheme that involved defrauding the U.S. government and using taxpayer money to fund personal trips, including dozens of visits to Walt Disney World, federal prosecutors said.
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A Not-So-Magical Crime
Like the Disney Adult versions of Bonnie and Clyde, from 2014 through 2018, the couple orchestrated this clever scheme. The man, a contractor for the United States Army, had his girlfriend hired for a high-paying “no-show” government job, allowing the pair to travel extensively under the guise of business trips.
During this time, the girlfriend, 53, of Woodsboro, Maryland, was paid a total salary of $487,658.67 while doing “little to no work” during business hours, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Prosecutors explained:
“She played the role of (the man’s) government funded travel companion where they frequented hotel bars and pools.”
In addition to her salary, the fraudulent arrangement cost the government an extra $75,783 in travel expenses. The couple frequently visited popular destinations, including Orlando, where they took 31 trips to Walt Disney World, as well as other vacation spots such as Clearwater Beach, Florida, and Stafford, Virginia, all while pretending they were traveling for work, prosecutors said.
According to the investigation, the man of Uxbridge, Massachusetts, used his position as an Army contractor to ensure his girlfriend was hired and that her job required minimal, if any, duties. The scheme allowed the couple to exploit government resources for their personal benefit over the course of several years.
Justice is Served
Earlier this week, on October 2, the woman was sentenced to six months of home confinement. This verdict comes after pleading guilty in April 2023 to charges including one count of conspiracy, 10 counts of theft of government funds, and making false declarations.
Her partner, sentenced earlier in August, was given a year and a day in prison after pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy and 10 counts of theft of government funds. He is also responsible for paying $487,658.97 in restitution.
The case serves as a reminder of the serious consequences for those who attempt to defraud the government and misuse taxpayer dollars for personal gain. Karma can find you anywhere, even at “The Most Magical Place on Earth!”