Maryland Man Admits to Falsely Claiming Military Service to Collect Over $140,000 in Federal Benefits

A Maryland resident has admitted in federal court to defrauding both the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the Social Security Administration by falsely claiming to be a decorated disabled combat veteran, resulting in the illegal collection of over $143,000 in federal benefits.

Marvin Deboulet, 51, of Catonsville, pleaded guilty to wire fraud in U.S. District Court in Greenbelt. Authorities say Deboulet fabricated a military history that included false claims of honorable service in the U.S. Marine Corps and fictitious combat injuries, including surviving a bombing incident in Kosovo. In reality, Deboulet briefly enlisted in the U.S. Army in 2010, but went AWOL later that year and was discharged under conditions “other than honorable” in 2011. Records show he had no service in any military branch prior to or after that brief Army stint.

Deboulet began his fraudulent scheme in 2012 when he applied for medical treatment at a VA facility in California, claiming to be a Purple Heart recipient. He continued the deception in 2014 by applying for Social Security benefits in Hagerstown, Maryland, again using falsified military records. These false statements led to the approval of disability benefits for both Deboulet and his son, totaling $143,128.27.

The investigation was carried out by the Offices of the Inspectors General for both the VA and the SSA. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland is prosecuting the case. Deboulet now faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. His sentencing will be determined by a federal judge based on statutory factors and federal guidelines.

Article by multiple RFHC contributors, based upon information from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Maryland

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