Morris Co. Veteran Scams $100K Out Of VA, Threatens Investigator: Cops

LONG VALLEY, NJ — A Morris County veteran admitted defrauding the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) of more than $118,000 in disability benefits, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger said.

After allegedly sending a threatening text message to an investigator, Kamil Wakulik, 38, of Long Valley, admitted guilt via videoconference to theft of public funds and interstate transmission of a threat of injury, according to officials.

Theft of government funds is punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. The maximum sentence for interstate transmission of a threat of injury is five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

Wakulik, who served as an active member of the United States Marine Corps from 2003 to 2007, falsely claimed to have suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of his active-duty service.

According to police, during a VA disability benefits assessment in 2018, Wakulik claimed that he was assigned to and participated in active-duty missions that required him to recover human remains following natural disasters in the Philippines and Thailand.

An investigation later revealed that Wakulik was never assigned to recover human remains, according to prosecutors.

Based on these false statements, the VA raised Wakulik's disability rating and provided him with additional monthly disability benefits totaling more than $118,000.

On Aug. 23, 2022, Wakulik sent a text message to a VA Office of Inspector General agent, threatening physical violence against the agent or anyone involved in the investigation, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Wakulik's sentencing is scheduled for June 6, 2023, officials said.