Woman Who Stole $240K From VA to Pay Off Student Loans Gets Prison Sentence

Published Jun 22, 2026, 12:36 PM EDT

Authorities on Monday announced the sentence against the West Virginia physician.

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Published Jun 22, 2026, 12:36 PM EDT

Authorities have announced a one-year prison sentence for a woman who stole more than $240,000 from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and used the funds to pay off her student loans. The Department of Justice announced Monday that Christina Nolte, 42, of Bridgeport, W. Va., was sentenced to 12 months in federal prison for theft of public money. Nolte, a licensed physician assistant, reportedly falsified her medical records to file for and receive VA disability benefits. Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas Kleeh presided over the matter. Authorities said she then used her fraudulently obtained disability to discharge $242,528 in federal student loans. Nolte has been ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $355,179.13. “By falsifying her medical records and exploiting programs meant to support our nation’s veterans, Ms. Nolte stole taxpayer funds and undermined systems designed to help those who served,” said U.S. Attorney Matthew Harvey, who made the statement on behalf of the DOJ. “We will continue to hold those who engage in benefits fraud accountable.” Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Conklin prosecuted the case on behalf of the government, while the case was investigated by the Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Department of Education Office of Inspector General.