KENT, Wash. — A Kent woman was sentenced to 17 months in federal prison for defrauding the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs out of more than $1 million in benefits intended for severely disabled veterans, prosecutors said.
Kelly M. Lee-Carroll, 58, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit theft of government property and health care fraud in a scheme that lasted more than a decade, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Washington.
Prosecutors said Lee-Carroll falsely claimed she was unable to walk or use her right arm and needed round-the-clock care to qualify for additional benefits and caregiver funding. In reality, investigators found she could walk, shop and use both hands…