FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	CONTACT: Lauren Horwood
January 14, 2011	PHONE: (916) 554-2706
www.usdoj.gov/usao/cae	usacae.edcapress@usdoj.gov
Docket #: 2:10-cr-0094 MCE

              SACRAMENTO, Calif. — United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced today that a former civilian employee of the Department of the Navy, Michael Howell, 59, of Vacaville, pleaded guilty on Thursday before United States District Judge Morrison C. England, Jr. to making a false statement to obtain federal workers compensation benefits.

              According to the plea agreement, Howell began receiving monthly workers’ compensation payments in July 2001, claiming total disability that prevented him from working. In fact, Howell worked in marketing for construction materials; he met with suppliers and customers and marketed wood roofing products throughout Northern California. In addition, Howell earned income by repairing roofs and laying brick, activities inconsistent with his claimed physical disabilities.

              This case is the product of an investigation by the United States Naval Criminal Investigative Service. Assistant United States Attorney Michael D. Anderson is prosecuting the case.

              Howell is scheduled to be sentenced on March 31, 2011 at 9:00 a.m. As part of his plea, the defendant has also agreed to repay $302,380.65 in restitution to the Department of the Navy. He faces a maximum statutory penalty of five years in prison, three years supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.

 

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