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BRIEF: Veteran admits lying for over $121,000 in benefits

Blade (Toledo, OH) - 5/3/2016

May 03--An Army veteran who received more than $121,000 in benefits intended for low-income, disabled veterans admitted in federal court Monday that he lied in his application for benefits about his income and ability to work.

Antonio Estrada, 65, of Toledo pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Jack Zouhary to theft of government money and property of more than $1,000. The charge carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Noah Hood, an assistant U.S. attorney, said that Estrada's sentencing is expected to be between 10 months and 16 months.

Estrada, who served in the Army from November, 1969, to June, 1971, collected $121,156 in monthly pension payments from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs between April 1, 2006, and Feb. 28, 2014, after reporting he had zero income and zero assets.

Mr. Hood said in reality Estrada was working on remodeling projects for several contractors. Had the VA known about his income and ability to work, it would not have provided the benefit, Mr. Hood said.

Estrada, who is to be sentenced Aug. 30, said he applied for benefits after being treated at a VA clinic and being told he was entitled to pension based on his medical issues.

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