ROCHESTER, N.Y. – A federal grand jury has indicted Michael Joyce, 53, and his partner Sarah Joyce, 33, formerly of Rochester, NY, now living in New Jersey, for a staggering scheme involving the theft of government funds and wire fraud.
The charges, stemming from an investigation by the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General and the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector, accuse the couple of conspiracy to defraud the United States. Michael Joyce, who claimed disabilities including PTSD and TBI, was awarded a 100% disability rating. He applied for permanent and total disability status in February 2018. His partner, Sarah Joyce, was approved as his caregiver under the VA Caregiver Support Program, receiving over $250,000 in payments.
However, investigators uncovered inconsistencies in Michael Joyce’s claims, including a lack of deployment to a combat zone. Surveillance and interviews revealed Michael Joyce engaging in activities inconsistent with his reported disabilities, such as driving and performing household tasks. The indictment charges the couple with theft of government funds, wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and conspiracy to defraud the United States, with penalties up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas M. Testani is handling the case, emphasizing that the charges are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The indictments come as part of an ongoing effort to combat fraud within the VA system, ensuring that veterans receive the care and benefits they deserve.
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Key Facts
- State: New York
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Public Corruption|Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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