Man Facing Federal Charges for Allegedly Defrauding the VA Appears in Federal Court

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Alexander Gene Williams, 35, of Charlotte, is facing federal charges for allegedly defrauding the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) of more than $42,000 in disability benefits, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Williams was arrested on October 28, in Fayetteville, North Carolina, and had his arraignment in federal court in Charlotte yesterday.

Williams served in the U.S. Army from February 2012 to March 2013. The indictment alleges that, in March 2022, Williams began to receive VA disability benefits and later applied for and received additional disability compensation for his three dependent minor children. It is alleged that between October 2023 and April 2026, Williams submitted at least 17 false and fraudulent applications to the VA seeking to obtain VA disability compensation for additional dependent minor children for the purpose of increasing his monthly payment. The indictment alleges that Williams submitted applications on behalf of the minors, to whom he was not the father, and in some instances who did not exist. At times, Williams submitted applications on behalf of purported minor children with a Social Security Number that was assigned to another real person. As a result of the fraud, the indictment alleges that Williams received approximately $42,266 in funds administered by the VA as disability compensation payments that he was not entitled to receive, and he attempted to obtain even greater amounts.

"Abusing taxpayer-funded government resources, especially those intended for veterans, is more than a financial crime, it is a betrayal of public trust," said U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson. "We are committed to protecting benefits our veterans have rightfully earned through their service."

"VA benefits are earned through service and sacrifice-not deception," said Inspector General Cheryl L. Mason, Department of Veterans Affairs. "This conduct diverts resources from veterans who legitimately depend on them. The indictment demonstrates the VA OIG's commitment to safeguarding the integrity of VA programs and collaborating with our law enforcement partners to hold accountable those who defraud them."

Williams is charged with theft of government funds which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, and aggravated identity theft which carries a penalty of two years in prison consecutive to any other prison term imposed.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs - Office of Inspector General (VA-OIG) investigated the case.

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Frick is prosecuting the case.

On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (Fraud Division). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on 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.