A couple in the United States has been found guilty of defrauding the government of nearly ₹4.2 crore (around $500,000) to fund 31 lavish vacations to Walt Disney World, all while pretending to be on official work trips. The scam, carried out between 2014 and 2018, was spearheaded by 61-year-old Thomas Bouchard, an Army contractor, and his 53-year-old girlfriend Cantelle Boyd.
The Scheme Unveiled
According to prosecutors, Bouchard exploited his government connections to secure a “no-show” job for Boyd, allowing her to claim a government salary of ₹4.8 crore. The couple used these funds to finance extravagant vacations, including trips to Disney World in Florida, by falsely claiming them as work-related expenses.
Bouchard, who worked at the US Army Natick Contracting Division in Massachusetts, manipulated his ties with Evolution Enterprise Inc. to have Boyd hired. Despite her receiving a hefty salary, she performed “little to no work,” officials stated. The scam also included over ₹75 lakh in fraudulent travel expenses for trips that were disguised as business travel.
Lavish Vacations at Taxpayers’ Expense
The couple’s travels ranged from two-day getaways to 15-day luxury stays at hotels, where they relaxed by the pool and explored Disney parks. In addition to their trips to Disney World, the duo traveled to Virginia and other parts of Florida, enjoying a life of leisure—all at the taxpayers’ expense.
Justice Served
After federal authorities arrested the couple in July 2020, both Bouchard and Boyd pleaded guilty to conspiracy, theft of government funds, and filing false expense reports. In August 2024, Bouchard was sentenced to one year and one day in prison and ordered to pay back the stolen ₹4.8 crore. Boyd was sentenced to six months of home confinement and will be required to pay restitution at a later date.
Government’s Response
“Those in public service owe taxpayers integrity,” said Acting US Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “This defendant failed to uphold that duty, abusing his position to line his own pockets and enjoy vacations at the taxpayer’s expense.”
This high-profile case serves as a reminder of the need for transparency and accountability in public service, especially when handling public funds.