Veronica Dale Hahn, Theft of Government Funds, Florida 2017

PANAMA CITY, FLORIDA – In a shocking case of deception, Veronica Dale Hahn, 60, of Bonifay, Florida, has pleaded guilty to theft of government funds. The guilty plea was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

Hahn was found to have received $394,800.85 from the Department of Veterans Affairs in disability payments for 100% service-connected blindness in both eyes between November 2001 and February 2016. However, evidence presented during her trial revealed that Hahn told various doctors within the Veterans Health Administration and in private practice that she was almost completely blind.

But in a stunning contradiction, Hahn obtained a driver’s license in New Mexico, Alabama, and Florida with no vision restrictions, after passing vision exams in each state with at least 20/40 vision. During this time, Hahn was also observed driving her personal automobile on numerous occasions. Furthermore, she worked full time as a case manager and transition counselor at several state correctional facilities, all of which required normal eyesight to perform her duties.

The case was investigated by the Department of Veterans Affairs – Office of the Inspector General. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Christopher J. Thielemann and Michael J. Frank.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General.

Hahn faces a maximum of 10 years in prison. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for April 13, 2017, at 10:00 a.m. at the United States Courthouse, in Panama City, Florida.

For more information, contact Amy Alexander, Public Information Officer, at (850) 216-3854 or amy.alexander@usdoj.gov.

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