(Phoenix, Ariz. – Sept. 25, 2006) A Phoenix man has been sentenced to probation and community service after being found guilty on two counts of fraud and two counts of theft by a Maricopa County Superior Court jury.
Jimmy Woods, 57, was collecting disability benefits of $2,270 a month from the U.S. Post Office for injuries sustained on the job and $817 a month from the U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs for a non-combat injury sustained while in the military. During his trial last month, witnesses testified that Woods had convinced his doctors that he was too injured and in too much pain to work, leading them to say he was totally disabled.
The United States Postal Inspection Service placed Woods under surveillance and found that he was regularly playing golf, walking the course without a cart. The defense contended that Woods was totally disabled due to a heart attack. A jury disagreed and found him guilty.
Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Brian Ishikawa sentenced Woods on Friday, Sept. 22, to seven years probation and required him to pay $30,120 in restitution. Woods was also ordered to perform 400 hours of community service. Both his VA and Post Office benefits will be terminated as a result of his convictions. Assistant Attorney General Jacqueline Schesnol prosecuted this case.