Harrison County Woman Sentenced for Falsifying VA Medical Records to Steal Disability Benefits and Erase $242K in Student Loans

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA - A Bridgeport, West Virginia woman was sentenced for theft of public money, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey.

Christina Nolte, 42, was sentenced to 12 months in federal prison. Nolte, a licensed physician assistant, falsified her medical records to file for and receive disability benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Nolte then used her fraudulently obtained disability to have $242,528 in federal student loans discharged.

"By falsifying her medical records and exploiting programs meant to support our nation's veterans, Ms. Nolte stole taxpayer funds and undermined systems designed to help those who served," said U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey. "We will continue to hold those who engage in benefits fraud accountable."

Nolte was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $355,179.13.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer T. Conklin prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.

The matter was investigated by the Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General and the Department of Education.

On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division ("Fraud Division"). The Fraud Division is investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department's work to combat fraud supports President Trump's Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.

Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.