An Ogden woman who served as an assistant special agent for the U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Inspector General has been indicted for allegedly defrauding the government of more than $51,000 in disability payments while maintaining an active, athletic lifestyle in Europe. Michelle L. Bouziden, 44, faces multiple federal charges after authorities allege she claimed total disability due to a workplace injury while simultaneously hiking the Dolomites in Italy.
Allegations of Fraudulent Claims
A federal grand jury in Salt Lake City returned a four-count indictment against Bouziden, charging her with wire fraud, theft of government property, obstruction of federal department and agency proceedings, and false reports for federal workers compensation benefits, according to a press release from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Utah. The indictment alleges that Bouziden received $51,571.73 in fraudulent disability compensation.
Court documents indicate that Bouziden suffered a concussion while working in March 2026. However, officials say that beginning around May 14, 2026, she began falsely reporting that ongoing symptoms left her totally disabled and unable to return to her professional duties. In her filings with the Department of Labor Office of Workers Compensation Program, Bouziden claimed she was completely unable to engage in cognitive reasoning or arduous physical activities.
Specifically, the filings claimed she could not perform basic work tasks, including sitting, walking, standing, twisting, bending, squatting, kneeling, climbing, or operating a motor vehicle. Despite these claims, federal prosecutors allege Bouziden was simultaneously traveling internationally and pursuing a high-endurance lifestyle.
Contradictory Evidence and Travel
Federal authorities allege that Bouziden's claims of total disability were directly contradicted by her activities abroad. According to court filings, Bouziden submitted documents to the Department of Labor indicating she was too symptomatic to return to work on the same day she flew to Italy to hike the Dolomites.
While receiving disability payments, Bouziden allegedly spent two weeks in Italy, during which time she hiked more than 50 miles. Evidence cited in the indictment includes social media posts documenting her experience, as well as a screen capture from a hiking app showing her completing a 9.8-mile hike in just under seven hours.
Before her trip, Bouziden allegedly canceled a mandatory, independent second-opinion medical evaluation with the Department of Labor, claiming the appointment conflicted with a wellness retreat, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Prosecution Response
U.S. Attorney Melissa Holyoak, representing the District of Utah, expressed strong condemnation of the alleged actions, noting that such fraud impacts the integrity of federal services.
"Our federal law enforcement is filled with hardworking, dedicated employees who sacrifice to keep the people of Utah and this country safe," Holyoak said in a statement. "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."
Investigation and Broader Context
The investigation into Bouziden is being conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Inspector General (USDA-OIG). The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Luisa Gough of the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Utah.
This prosecution comes as part of broader federal efforts to combat benefit fraud. The Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division on April 7, a division intended to focus on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. This initiative is part of a larger, whole-of-government effort to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within federal benefit programs.
Upcoming Trial Details
A four-day jury trial for Bouziden is scheduled to begin on November 30, 2026, at the Orrin G. Hatch United States Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City.
As with all criminal indictments, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
