Maine Man Admits Lying to the VA for Disability Benefits

A Maine man who fled the state, faked his death, and was arrested in Missouri pleaded guilty this week in a Bangor courtroom to making false statements to the VA.

Maine Man Pleads Guilty to Making False Statements to the VA About a Disability

Gregory P. Heimann Jr., 52, of Forest City Township, admitted in court that he falsely represented to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs in May 2023 that he had been using a wheelchair since 2004.

He alleged that he was unable to walk or stand on his own.

The United States Attorney District of Maine reports that Heimann was documented and recorded more than once walking and standing in Maine without any mobility devices.

Maine Man Who Faked His Own Death Before Being Arrested in Missouri Pleads Guilty

In April, 2024, the U.S. Marshals Service reports Heimann, Jr. disappeared from his Washington County home after taking a canoe with his belongings to a river near the Canadian border.

A massive search was launched for the man who officials believed may have drowned, but it was ultimately determined that he had disappeared under suspicious circumstances.

Get our free mobile app

After more than a year, officials tracked Heimann, Jr. to La Plata, Missouri, and arrested him in 2025.

Heimann faces up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release.

He has not yet been sentenced.

We'll update this story as more details become available.