VA Worker Pleads Guilty to Making False Deployment Claim

A Washington County man pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of theft of government money and making a false document, according to the U.S. attorney's office in Pittsburgh. 

Federal officials said Richard A. Ward, 42, of McDonald, was a VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System employee when he submitted a false Special Order to the VA indicating that he was deployed for active duty.

The false Special Order was drawn on the authority of the Department of the Air Force, Pennsylvania Air National Guard 171st Air Refueling Wing in Moon Township, according to a news release.  Ward is a Pennsylvania Air National Guardsman.  

The VA placed Ward in a special pay status for VA employees who are activated for military duty. The pay and benefits Ward wrongfully obtained equaled approximately $14,164.91, the news release said.

Ward faces up to 15 years in prison, a $500,000 fine, or both. The court placed Ward on bond pending a sentence. 

Join Patch for more community news or join us on Facebook and Twitter.