Former Government Employee Sentenced to 2 Years in Prison for Theft of Government Property
Greenbelt, Maryland – In a brazen scheme, 30-year-old Rodney Nelson of Dunkirk, Maryland, was sentenced to 2 years in federal prison for theft of government property, followed by 3 years of supervised release.
The sentence was handed down by United States District Judge George J. Hazel, who deferred addressing the matter of restitution but agreed that Nelson would have to repay at least $311,874.84 to the government as per the plea agreement.
Nelson worked as a civilian government pay technician at the 11th Comptroller Squadron at Joint Base Andrews from October 2008 to November 2013. He then took a similar position at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in November 2013.
During his employment at both Andrews and the VAMC, Nelson abused his position to access payroll records and alter personally identifiable information associated with certain current and former government employees. He attempted to make it appear as if the money was paid to those employees, when in reality, it was diverted into his personal bank accounts.
Nelson stole approximately $311,874.84 by manipulating payroll records of at least 14 individuals. He went to great lengths to cover his tracks, including adding over 2,000 hours of time to one former employee’s payroll records, resulting in substantial direct deposit payments into his personal bank account.
Acting United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Stephen M. Schenning commended the Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General and Air Force Office of Inspector General for their diligent work in the investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Michael Packard and David Salem prosecuted the case.
Nelson’s sentence serves as a stern warning to those who would seek to exploit their positions for personal gain. His actions not only compromised the trust of his colleagues but also put sensitive government information at risk.
The case highlights the importance of internal controls and oversight in government agencies, as well as the need for accountability among those entrusted with sensitive information.
Nelson will have to pay back at least $311,874.84 to the government as part of his plea agreement. His prison sentence and supervised release serve as a reminder that the consequences of such actions are severe and long-lasting.
Key Facts
- State: Maryland
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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