CONCORD — An Antrim man entered a guilty plea today in federal court for fraudulently obtaining $662,871.77 in veteran’s benefits by falsely claiming a disability, according to U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young.
Christopher Stultz, 49, admitted to one count of making false statements.
U.S. District Court Judge Joseph N. Laplante set the sentencing for May 6.
Stultz was initially charged on Sept. 13.
Stultz began his scheme in January 2003, when he misrepresented to the U.S.
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that he was unable to use his feet, leading the VA to classify him as 100 percent disabled and increase his benefits.
He also received funding for special vehicles and vehicle adaptations through the VA’s Automobile Adaptive Equipment program, intended for veterans with severe mobility impairments.
Despite his claims, surveillance showed Stultz walking normally on several occasions.
Notably, on Oct. 28, 2021, after visiting the VA Medical Center in Jamaica Plain, Boston, where he used a wheelchair, Stultz was seen lifting the wheelchair into his car and then walking unaided at a shopping mall.
A similar incident occurred on Oct. 3, 2022, at the VA Medical Center in Manchester, followed by Stultz walking normally at the Mall of New Hampshire.
Witnesses also reported never having seen Stultz use any mobility aids dating back to the early 2000s.
From January 2003 through December 2022, Stultz received a total of $662,871.77 in unentitled VA benefits.
The offense carries a maximum sentence of 5 years in prison and 3 years of supervised release, with the actual sentence determined by federal guidelines and statutes.
