COLUMBUS, Ohio — A federal grand jury has indicted a Columbus man accused of defrauding the United States through fraudulent use of GI Bill education benefits, federal student aid, and military loan forgiveness programs.
Adam L. Steinberger, 36, of Columbus, is alleged to have orchestrated a scheme from 2018 through 2024 involving multiple co-conspirators, including friends and a family member who served in the military, according to the indictment.
Prosecutors allege Steinberger recruited the individuals to enroll in college courses to obtain GI Bill Chapter 33 funds covering tuition, monthly housing allowance,s and stipends for books and supplies. The indictment also alleges that the co-conspirators applied for and received Federal Student Aid while enrolled in the courses.
Court documents state that after enrollment, Steinberger allegedly paid a person in Africa to complete coursework on behalf of the co-conspirators. Authorities further allege that the scheme included fraudulent applications for federal student loan discharge or forgiveness based on claimed Total and Permanent Disability status for veterans.
According to the indictment, a portion of the fraudulently obtained benefits and loan discharge proceeds were allegedly sent back to Steinberger through money transfer apps. Investigators detail a series of payments totaling nearly $15,000, with approximately $6,000 allegedly paid to the individual overseas who completed the assignments.