LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — An army veteran, who was convicted for theft of government benefits, has been released from a halfway house in Lexington on Tuesday after six months.
Jeremy Harrell was best known for being the founder of the Veterans Club.
According to a December 2024 press release by the U.S. Attorney General's Office, Harrell received more than $128,000 in individual employable disability payments from 2019 to 2023.
In those four years, Harrell was found to be actively working more than 40 hours a week running for the Veterans Club while he continued to receive benefits. The Attorney General's office said that in doing so, he was ineligible to receive benefits.
They also said in the release there was evidence of Harrell making false statements to the government about his daily life and work activities. Harrell said that's not true.
LEX18 asked Harrell Tuesday if he maintained his innocence on the theft charge.
"Absolutely 100 percent," said Harrell. "It's unfortunate what happened to me, to serve a sentence for helping thousands of veterans not commit suicide."
He thanked President Donald Trump for supporting the military and veterans.
"He recognizes service, so I'm confident this will be fixed as well," said Harrell.
When asked if he was referencing a presidential pardon in the future, Harrell seemed optimistic.
"My hope is that I can obtain a pardon from the President of the United States but either way I'm going to continue the advocacy I did before but at a higher level," said Harrell.
Harrell is set to be on home detention for six months and then probation for another six months.
