Waterloo Man Sentenced To Prison For Defrauding $186,000 From the Social Security Administration And Department Of Veteran’s Affairs

Randall Timmons, 45, of Waterloo was sentenced Aug. 4 by a federal judge to a 10-month prison term following convictions for concealment of material information from the Social Security Administration and making false statements to the Department of Veteran’s Affairs. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United State Attorney Suzanne Garrison.

While serving in the U.S. Air Force in 1983, Timmons, injured his back moving volleyball equipment. After he was discharged in 1984, he applied for disability benefits from the Department of Veteran’s Affairs. The VA began paying Timmons at a rate of 20 percent. Following back surgery in 2000, Timmons received 100 percent of benefits based on individual unemployability.

In June 2000 and May 2001, Timmons underwent spinal fusions. In July 2001 he applied for and received disability benefits from the Social Security Administration.

In October 2001, Timmons’ medical condition improved to a point which allowed him to return to work. From October 2001 until November 2004, he failed to disclose medical improvements to the SSA, because, according to court documents, he could lose the benefits.

In December 2003, Timmons submitted documents falsely indicating it was impossible for him to drive or ride in a car, that he was not able to walk much, he used a cane and someone else shopped for him. The VA and SSA began surveillance of Timmons in October 2004. They witnessed him driving, walking without a cane, shopping and doing yard work for several hours. The VA arranged for Timmons to be examined by a neurologist in November 2004. Timmons also falsely told the neurologist he had limited mobility and was in pain.

Timmons produced a $20,000 cashier’s check at the time of sentencing for a partial payment of the restitution due. Following release from prison, he will be on supervised release for three years and will be required pay back the defrauded agencies the remaining restitution payments.