SHELBYVILLE, KY – Jeremy Wayne Harrell, 43, was sentenced on December 4, 2024, to six months in federal prison for defrauding the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) by unlawfully receiving Individual Unemployability (IU) disability benefits. Harrell had been collecting these benefits, claiming to be unemployable, while actively managing his nonprofit organization, Veterans Club Inc.
Harrell had first been awarded the IU benefits in 2011, but in 2019, he founded Veterans Club Inc., serving as its CEO and overseeing operations that included managing over $400,000 in assets, coordinating events, and leading over 6,000 volunteers. Despite his significant involvement in running the organization, Harrell continued to claim disability and received more than $128,000 in VA benefits from 2019 to 2023.
Evidence revealed that Harrell had actively worked 40-60 hours per week while misleading the government about his ability to work. His public engagements included media interviews, speaking at events, and meeting political and business leaders, all of which contradicted his claims of being unable to work due to his disability.
The court found that Harrell had falsely represented his daily activities to conceal his employment status, continuing to collect IU benefits while running a thriving business. Harrell’s sentence serves as a reminder of the consequences of defrauding government programs intended to assist those in need.
