ROCHESTER, N.Y. — A former Rochester couples faces heavy fines and prison. They were indicted and accused of stealing money from the government.
A federal grand jury indicted Michael Joyce, 53, and Sarah Joyce, 33, both formerly of Rochester and now living in New Jersey, on charges including theft of government funds and wire fraud, U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced. The charges could lead to a maximum of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas M. Testani said that Michael Joyce allegedly submitted false disability claims to the Department of Veterans Affairs in April 2016, resulting in a 100% disability rating for PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injury, and a back issue. Officials claim he later applied for permanent and total disability status, claiming his conditions were worsening…