Jacksonville Man Sentenced For Perpetrating Fraud Schemes While Illegally Collecting Disability And Medicaid Benefits

Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Brian J. Davis today sentenced Douglas Thompson (52, Jacksonville) to 27 months in federal prison for wire fraud and theft of government property. The Court also ordered him to pay $149,218.26 in restitution to the victims of his crimes.

Thompson pleaded guilty on February 24, 2017.

According to court documents, Thompson was a heavy equipment broker who operated his one-man business under the name Douglas Thompson Industries (DTI). In order to increase business, Thompson created multiple DTI websites that falsely claimed the company had been in existence for 30 years, had multiple divisions, and had satisfied over 6,000 customers worldwide. The sites also falsely claimed that Thompson, a high school dropout, was a graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Thompson defrauded three DTI customers by purporting to broker the sale of truck chassis, accepting payment, and then failing to deliver as agreed.

While operating his business and defrauding customers, Thompson also fraudulently collected Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid healthcare benefits. SSI is a program designed to provide support for low-income individuals, generally who are unable to work due to a disability.

This case was investigated by the Social Security Administration - Office of the Inspector General and the Department of Health and Human Services - Office of Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Coolican.