Ex-staffer for Utah congressman pleads not guilty
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A former staffer for Rep. Jason Chaffetz has pleaded not guilty to lying about being injured in the Iraq War to get disability benefits.
Gilbert Prado, who landed his job with Chaffetz through the Wounded Warrior Project, entered his plea Monday in U.S. District Court.
Prosecutors last month filed a 15-count indictment against Prado, 49, for wire fraud and making false statements. The West Valley City man is accused of lying to Veterans Affairs about being hurt during a 2006 explosion in Iraq.
Prosecutors say Prado received monthly disability payments from August 2011 to March 2012 totaling $18,000.
Chaffetz says his office became concerned about the veracity of Prado's story and notified federal authorities.
The Associated Press