ALEXANDRIA, VA — A former career services manager at a Virginia educational institution has pleaded guilty to orchestrating a nearly $3 million fraud scheme that exploited a program designed to help U.S. veterans transition into civilian careers.
Jeffrey Williams, 37, of Alexandria, admitted in federal court to wire fraud for submitting hundreds of falsified documents to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) between July 2022 and May 2024. These documents enabled the school where he worked to receive millions in tuition payments under false pretenses.
According to prosecutors, Williams forged employment offer letters, fabricated certification records, and even forged the signatures of veterans—all to make it appear that these former service members had successfully completed job training and secured employment, thereby qualifying the institution for VA-funded tuition payments.
“This case represents a shocking abuse of a program meant to support those who have served our country,” said a spokesperson for the Department of Justice. “Instead of helping veterans launch meaningful careers, Williams used them as pawns in a scheme for personal and institutional gain.”
Court filings reveal that the fraud affected at least 189 veterans, with the VA disbursing approximately $2.9 million based on Williams’ false claims.
A Breach of Trust
Williams worked at a school offering cyber-focused training programs tailored to veterans. These programs are eligible for VA funding, provided veterans secure qualifying employment post-completion. Williams exploited this requirement by manufacturing fake evidence of job placement, deceiving both the VA and the veterans themselves.
“Falsifying documents and forging veterans’ signatures to steal taxpayer dollars is a betrayal of trust that cannot be tolerated,” said investigators from the VA Office of Inspector General, which is leading the investigation.
Williams now faces up to 20 years in federal prison. Sentencing is scheduled for a later date, where the court will weigh U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
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