West Virginia Woman Faces Federal Charges for Alleged VA Benefits and Student Loan Fraud

A Bridgeport, West Virginia woman has been indicted on multiple federal charges, including theft of public money and student loan fraud, stemming from allegations of falsifying medical records to unlawfully obtain Department of Veterans Affairs disability benefits and subsequently using these benefits to fraudulently discharge federal student loan debt. The indictment, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of West Virginia, outlines a scheme involving the manipulation of medical documentation to secure benefits from the VA and leverage a false disability rating to absolve over $242,000 in student loan obligations.

The charges against Christina Nolte, 42, of Bridgeport, include one count of theft of public money, property, or records, three counts of making false statements, and one count of student loan fraud. Prosecutors allege that Nolte manipulated medical records to receive VA disability benefits for which she was not entitled. This alleged fraudulent disability rating was then reportedly used to seek and obtain the discharge of her federal student loan debt, which amounted to $242,528. The indictment also seeks the forfeiture of funds and a money judgment totaling $360,466.38, representing the alleged proceeds of the criminal activity. If convicted, Nolte faces a maximum of 10 years in federal prison for the theft charge, and up to 5 years for each of the false statement and student loan fraud charges. The investigation into these allegations was a collaborative effort involving the Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General, the Department of Education Office of Inspector General, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer T. Conklin leading the prosecution. It is important to note that an indictment is a formal accusation, and Nolte is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of West Virginia.

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