Long Ordeal for Seattle Worker Who Exposed Veteran’s Fraud

SEATTLE (AP) — A federal worker in Seattle helped expose a case of fraud in which an Army veteran lied his way to a Purple Heart and hundreds of thousands of dollars in government benefits.

Her reward?

The agency she worked for repeatedly tried to punish her for what it said were violations of the man's privacy. U.S. Commerce Department employee C.J. Jackson says she's spent $20,000 on legal fees to fight off the discipline.

The department did not respond to requests from The Associated Press seeking comment.

Prosecutors say Jackson's willingness to come forward was crucial in uncovering the truth.