CONCORD, N.H. – In a shocking revelation, a New Hampshire veteran has confessed to deceiving authorities about his need for a wheelchair for two decades, resulting in him fraudulently obtaining over $660,000 in benefits. Christopher Stultz, 49, from Antrim, pleaded guilty to one count of making false statements in the U.S. District Court on Thursday. He is now facing the possibility of a maximum prison sentence of five years when he is sentenced on May 6.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Stultz began falsely claiming in 2003 that he could no longer use his feet, leading the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to rate him as 100% disabled and increase his monthly benefits. Additionally, he received funds to purchase and modify special cars to accommodate his alleged disability.
However, prosecutors revealed that Stultz was observed walking normally on multiple occasions. In 2021, he was seen using a wheelchair inside a VA medical center in Boston, but once he left the facility, he was witnessed standing up and effortlessly placing the wheelchair in his car. He then proceeded to drive to a mall and freely stroll through various stores. Prosecutors noted a similar incident after Stultz left a Manchester VA medical center the following year.
Several witnesses also came forward to testify that they had never seen Stultz use a wheelchair over the course of the past 20 years. This evidence further strengthened the case against him.
Stultz’s deceitful actions not only defrauded the government but also took away resources that could have been allocated to genuinely disabled individuals in need. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining integrity in benefit systems and ensuring that those who genuinely require assistance receive it.
The sentencing scheduled for May 6 will determine the consequences Stultz will face for his fraudulent actions.
