Bloomfield Vet Admits To Disability Embezzlement From VA

An Essex County man has admitted that he defrauded the Department of Veterans Affairs of more than $150,000 in disability benefits over a 13-year period.

Paul Tillson, 49, of Bloomfield, pleaded guilty on Thursday in Newark federal court to an indictment charging him with embezzlement of funds from the United States.

According to court documents and statements:

From July 1991 through January 1992, Tillson served as an administrative clerk in the U.S. Army in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. From November 2000 through July 2013, Tillson received $150,164 in disability benefits based on his claims of combat related injuries.

Through an investigation by the Department of Veterans Affairs, it was determined that Tillson did not serve in a combat function or engage in combat during his tour of duty overseas, which commenced after cease-fire terms had been accepted by Iraq.

Tillson also acknowledged that he falsified information related to his alleged combat stressors.

The charge of embezzlement of funds from the United States carries a maximum sentence of up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense.

Sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 16.