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Former VA Contractor Arrested in Tampa for Stolen Identity Refund Fraud
Tampa, FL – In a shocking turn of events, Willie Streater, a former contractor for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, has been arrested and charged with five counts of wrongful disclosure of health information, two counts of access device fraud, and one count of aggravated identity theft.
According to the indictment, Streater stole documents intended for shredding that contained the personal identifying information of U.S. veterans while working at the James A. Haley Tampa VA Hospital. He then sold these documents to individuals engaged in filing fraudulent tax returns, allowing them to steal tax refunds from the U.S. Treasury.
The indictment also notifies Streater that the United States is seeking a money judgment in the amount of $1,146,745.35, which is the proceeds of the charged criminal conduct.
“Today’s arrest was the result of a three-year multiagency investigation involving local, state, and federal offices,” said Special Agent in Charge Monty Stokes, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General – Southeast Field Office. “It is representative of the cooperative efforts of law enforcement to protect veterans’ personally identifiable information and hold those accountable who engage in fraud against veterans.”
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed a violation of the federal criminal laws, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
The case was investigated by the Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General, the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, and the Tampa Police Department. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sara C. Sweeney.
Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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