March 26, 2015

Kentucky Man indicted for Defrauding U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs

HUNTINGTON, WV—United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that a Kentucky man was indicted on March 25, 2015, by a federal grand jury sitting in Charleston for allegedly defrauding the U.S. Veteran’s Affairs (VA) Disability Compensation Program. The indictment charges Phillip M. Henderson, 50, of Olive Hill, Kentucky with fraudulently receiving approximately $800,000 in compensation and other benefits, including funds for the installation of a swimming pool and a vehicle, from March 17, 1995 to February 27, 2015. The indictment includes nine counts of wire fraud, which reflect payments from the VA to Henderson.

Each count carries a statutory maximum of 30 years and a $1,000,000 fine upon conviction.

The U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs, Office of Inspector General, is conducting the investigation, assisted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Eumi L. Choi is in charge of the prosecution.

Note: The charges contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.