BOISE – Paul Richard McLeod, 57, of Boise, Idaho, pleaded guilty today in United States District Court in Boise to count one of an information charging him with receiving stolen government money, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced. McLeod made his initial appearance today before U.S. District Judge Edward J. Lodge at the federal courthouse. McLeod is scheduled to be sentenced on April 2, 2012.

According to the plea agreement, from 2008 through July 2010, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) paid monthly dependant compensation payments to McLeod's mother, the legal and sole beneficiary of the funds. During that time period, the payments were deposited into a joint account shared by McLeod and his mother. On June 4, 2008, McLeod's mother passed away. VA records show that from July 1, 2008, to July 1, 2010, the VA continued to pay monthly compensation payments into the beneficiary's bank account. According to the plea agreement, McLeod admitted that following his mother's death, he converted 26 dependant compensation payments for his own personal use. As part of his plea, McLeod agree to pay restitution to the VA in the amount of $35,782.

The charge is punishable by up to ten years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000, and up to three years supervised release.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General.