Md. Woman Convicted of Disability Fraud, Faces Up to 5 Years in Jail

Prosecutors say a woman who collected federal disability benefits while operating a fitness center has been convicted of making false statements to obtain those benefits.

A jury convicted 48-year-old Darlene Altvater of Mechanicsville, Maryland, on Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Greenbelt. She faces up to five years in prison at sentencing Jan. 7.

According to evidence presented at trial, Altvater, who worked for the Postal Service, sustained on-the-job head and neck injuries. She began collecting federal workers’ compensation benefits in 2001.

Prosecutors say from January 2005 through December 2011, Altvater operated a salon, day spa and fitness center. Witnesses testified that Altvater demonstrated the use of fitness equipment. She was still receiving disability benefits.