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Defendant Sentenced for Travel Reimbursement Benefits Fraud
Scott Lavertue, 45, of Vershire, Vermont, has been sentenced to five years of probation, including a four-month period of home confinement, and restitution in the amount of $24,637.29, after pleading guilty to knowingly submitting false claims for reimbursement to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for travel expenses.
According to the Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont, Lavertue submitted 340 mileage reimbursement claims between November 2, 2009 and April 20, 2011. The bulk of these reimbursement forms indicated that he was living in Richford, Vermont, which is located along the U.S./Canada border approximately 127 miles from the VA Medical Center in White River Junction, Vermont. However, at the time he made these claims for reimbursement, Lavertue was not actually living at the Richford address, but rather at a location much closer to the VA facility.
Lavertue’s actions diverted important financial resources from the VA’s critical mission of caring for our veterans, according to United States Attorney Tristram, J. Coffin. The travel program provides financial reimbursement to veterans so that they can more easily receive the medical treatment they deserve at VA medical facilities.
The case was investigated by the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General with assistance from the Veterans Affairs Police and VA Medical Center Management. Assistant United States Attorney Kevin J. Doyle prosecuted the case, while Lavertue is represented by Michael L. Desautels, Federal Defender for the District of Vermont.
Lavertue pled guilty on August 12, 2013, and agreed to pay restitution in the amount of the fraudulent proceeds. The sentence reflects the seriousness of the offense and the need to protect the integrity of the VA’s travel program, which is designed to support our nation’s veterans.
The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont is committed to protecting the public’s trust and ensuring that those who commit crimes against the VA are held accountable. This case demonstrates the importance of vigilance and oversight in preventing and detecting fraud and abuse in government programs.
Key Facts
- State: Vermont
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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