A Florida man has admitted to faking blindness for years in order to collect nearly a quarter-million dollars in government disability benefits meant for disabled veterans.
According to federal prosecutors, 73-year-old Jerry Smith pleaded guilty to receiving stolen government money after authorities say he lied about being legally blind in order to collect benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Investigators said Smith falsely claimed his vision problems were so severe that he could not drive, work, or perform normal day-to-day activities without assistance.
But prosecutors say reality told a very different story.
According to the plea agreement, Smith was allegedly able to drive, read, move through crowded stores, avoid obstacles, and even use cash registers and drive-through ATMs without help.
Federal officials also revealed that while claiming to be blind, Smith worked as a firearms specialist and school guardian.
Authorities say the scheme lasted for years.
Between 2017 and 2021, Smith allegedly collected nearly $245,000 in VA disability compensation and other government benefits tied to his supposed blindness.
Officials have not revealed exactly how the fraud was uncovered or what initially triggered the investigation.
The case is part of a larger federal crackdown on fraud involving taxpayer-funded benefit programs.
Last month, the Department of Justice announced the creation of a new National Fraud Enforcement Division aimed at targeting people accused of stealing or misusing government funds.
The move also follows a new federal task force announced earlier this year by President Donald Trump focused on eliminating fraud and abuse in federal assistance programs.
Federal prosecutors say Smith now faces up to 10 years in prison.
A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled.