New Smyrna Beach Man Accused of Lying for VA Benefits

A New Smyrna Beach man has been accused of lying to obtain veterans' benefits, according to a release from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Florida. 73-year-old Jerry Smith is said to have claimed to be blind in order to receive disability compensation from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Smith reportedly received $244,953.70 in disability compensation and benefits over a period spanning from 2017 to 2021. According to the U.S. Attorney's statement, Smith was lying about being legally blind, saying that he was unable to drive, work, or perform ordinary daily tasks. As it turns out, Smith was fully able to see the entire time. He even served as a school guardian at Port Orange's Spruce Creek High School during this time. He's said to have been able to pass the shooting test in the guardian program on his first attempt. Though he has been accused of lying to obtain benefits, Smith's record of service is not disputed. He served in the U.S. Air Force for less than half a year in 1970. It was from that period of service that Smith reported issues with his vision due to welding light exposure. Smith has been charged with one count of receiving stolen government money. He pleaded guilty, and faces a maximum of ten years in federal prison. As of Wednesday, a sentencing day has yet to be scheduled.