OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERALPress Releases
U.S. Assistant Special Agent in Charge Accused of Stealing Thousands in Fraudulent Disability Payments
September 28, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General
Defendant received $51,571.73 in disability compensation while allegedly living an active and athletic lifestyle hiking and traveling abroad
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – A federal grand jury in Salt Lake City, Utah, returned a fourcount indictment charging an Assistant Special Agent in Charge for the United States Department of Agriculture Office of the Inspector General (USDA-OIG), with defrauding the United States out of more than $50,000 in disability pay.
USDA-OIG
According to court documents, Michelle L. Bouziden, 44, of Ogden, Utah, suffered a concussion on the job in March 2026 but then, beginning around May 14, 2026, she falsely reported that ongoing symptoms left her totally disabled and unable to work. In filings with the Department of Labor Office of Workers’ Compensation Program, Bouziden sought disability pay claiming she was completely unable to engage in “arduous physical activity” and cognitive reasoning,” and could not perform any required work tasks such as: sitting, walking, standing, twisting, bending, squatting, kneeling, climbing, and operating a motor vehicle. Yet, Bouziden received disability payments as she simultaneously traveled internationally and actively pursued a highendurance, athletic lifestyle.
Court filings allege Bouziden submitted documents to the Department of Labor indicating she was totally disabled and too symptomatic to return to work on the same day she flew to Italy to hike the Dolomites. Bouziden allegedly remained in Italy for two weeks, hiking over 50 miles and documenting her experience on social media. Prior to leaving, Bouziden allegedly canceled a Department of Labor appointment for a mandatory, independent second opinion medical evaluation claiming it conflicted with a “wellness retreat.”
The indictment alleges Bouziden received $51,571.73 in disability compensation.
USDA-OIG
United States Attorney Melissa Holyoak of the District of Utah thanked federal law enforcement partners for their work on the case and emphasized her Office’s commitment to prosecuting fraud in federal benefits programs.
“Our federal law enforcement is filled with hardworking, dedicated employees who sacrifice to keep the people of Utah and this country safe,” said U.S. Attorney Melissa Holyoak of the District of Utah. “Bouziden’s alleged fraud not only cheats taxpayers but is an affront to those hardworking federal employees who show up every day to fight fraud. My Office remains committed to working with our law enforcement partners to stamp out corruption and waste.”
Bouziden is charged with wire fraud, false reports for federal workers’ compensation benefits, obstruction of federal department and agency proceedings, and theft of government property. A four-day jury trial is scheduled for November 30, 2026, at the Orrin G. Hatch United States Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City.
The case is being investigated jointly by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General (USDA-OIG), and U.S. Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General (DOL-OIG).
Assistant United States Attorney Luisa Gough of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah is prosecuting the case.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
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