LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A federal grand jury has found the CEO and founder of Veterans Club, Inc. guilty of receiving thousands of dollars in unemployment benefits illegally.
Jeremy Harrell’s guilty verdict came down late Friday.
Harrell is accused of receiving more than $100,000 worth of unemployment benefits from Veterans Affairs when he was ineligible to do so.
Harrell received those benefits in 2011 before founding Veteran’s Club in 2019.
In February 2019, the VA informed everyone receiving benefits they must “notify them if changes in their condition affecting their right to continued [Individual Unemployability] benefits.”
According to investigators, Harrell’s volunteer work showed he was capable of employment, making him ineligible for benefits. He was also accused of lying to the VA about his work activity.
Harrell’s attorney Nick Mudd released a statement following the verdict.
"We are deeply saddened and surprised by the jury's verdict. Mr. Harrell has done more to serve veterans than anyone else in Kentucky. We contest these false allegations and will continue to fight this case and ask the Court to set aside the erroneous verdict."
Harrell will be sentenced on Dec. 9.
►Make it easy to keep up-to-date with more stories like this. Download the WHAS11 News app now. For Apple or Android users.
Have a news tip? Email assign@whas11.com, or visit our Facebook page or Twitter feed.