Couple's Fraud Funds Disney Trips

Stealing money meant for government work to fund luxurious vacations. That's what Chantelle Boyd and Thomas Bouchard did. Boyd, a Maryland woman, was sentenced for conspiring to defraud the government out of thousands of dollars. Her boyfriend, Bouchard, hired her for a "no-show" job at the U. S. Army Natick Contracting Division. From 2014 to 2018, they racked up 31 trips to Orlando, Florida, enjoying Walt Disney World Resort while on the government's dime. Boyd pleaded guilty to conspiracy and theft of government funds. She was sentenced to six months of home confinement and two years of supervised release. Bouchard, who was the Contracting Officer, also pleaded guilty and was ordered to pay over $487, 000 in restitution. He was sentenced to a year and a day in prison, followed by a year of supervised release. The couple claimed their trips were work-related, but court documents reveal they spent time at the pool and did little work. They hid the personal nature of these trips by altering and approving false travel documents. Other vacations included visits to Clearwater Beach, Stafford, Maryland, and Alabama. Their actions cost the government nearly $500, 000. Representatives from relevant agencies did not respond to comment requests. It's a stark reminder that abuse of power can lead to serious consequences.