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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Former soldier charged with stealing $250,000 in benefits

Associated Press

SEATTLE – A former Idaho National Guard soldier who is also an official in Snoqualmie, Washington, has been indicted on charges that he lied his way to a Purple Heart and more than $250,000 in government benefits.

According to investigators, Darryl Lee Wright wrote in his claims for benefits that because of an injury suffered in Iraq, he was unable to tie his shoes, prepare meals or pay attention to anything for more than five to 10 seconds.

In reality, he’s the chairman of the planning commission in Snoqualmie, a former City Council candidate, a high school basketball coach and a rec league basketball player, according to an indictment unsealed in federal court in Tacoma.

Some of the money was spent on homes, cars, travel and a country club membership, the U.S. Attorney’s office said.

Wright pleaded not guilty Thursday in U.S. District Court in Tacoma to charges of wire fraud, mail fraud and making false statements, and he was released with conditions pending a trial set for March.

A voice message left at the home he shares with his partner, Snoqualmie City Councilwoman Heather Munden, was not immediately returned to the Associated Press.

“You could certainly say that we’ll be contesting the charges,” said his attorney, Christopher Black. “I don’t want to get into any specifics, though.”

Wright’s sister, Karen M. Bevens, of Duvall, Washington, was also charged. She’s accused of receiving payments as his supposed caregiver. Together, they were bringing in more than $10,300 per month in fraudulently obtained benefits, the indictment said.

It wasn’t immediately clear if Bevens had obtained a lawyer. She is due in court next week.