A Shelbyville resident, Jeremy Wayne Harrell, 43, received a six-month prison sentence for theft of government benefits. The decision was handed down by U.S. District Judge Gregory Van Tatenhove.
The trial evidence demonstrated that Harrell unlawfully obtained money from the United States, specifically from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Individual Unemployability (IU) disability payments to which he was not entitled.
Harrell initially received IU benefits in 2011. However, in 2019, he established Veterans Club, Inc., and took on the role of Founder and CEO. Evidence revealed that from 2019 to 2023, Harrell engaged in significant work activities for Veterans Club. His responsibilities included working between 40-60 hours weekly, managing organizational events, overseeing assets worth over $400,000 and approximately 6,000 volunteers, participating in media interviews and podcasts, speaking at community events, meeting with leaders from business and politics, teaching classes, and accepting donations.
This level of activity indicated that Harrell could maintain substantial gainful employment, disqualifying him from receiving IU benefits during this period. Furthermore, evidence showed that Harrell provided false information to the government about his daily life and work activities. He portrayed himself as withdrawn and unable to work while actively leading a thriving organization.
Overall, Harrell improperly received more than $128,000 in IU benefits by misrepresenting his employability status to continue receiving these funds.
Following his release from prison, Harrell will be under U.S. Probation Office supervision for one year. Half of this time will include home detention.
The sentencing announcement was made jointly by Carlton S. Shier IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and VA Inspector General Michael J. Missal.
The investigation was carried out by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney James T. Chapman is handling the prosecution on behalf of the United States.