LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The founder of the Veteran's Club was sentenced to six months in prison on Monday afternoon.

Jeremy Harrell faced a maximum of 10 years in prison.

"Unfortunately this is never an outcome you prepare for, but I feel like I have been treated fairly throughout the process," Harrell said. "I have to trust the judicial process."

A federal jury in Frankfort convicted Harrell of theft of government benefits in August after he received more than $100,000 in unemployment benefits that he wasn't eligible for.

The Iraq war veteran has said he suffers from PTSD. He started receiving VA unemployment benefits in 2011 and founded the nonprofit in 2019. Prosecutors argued Harrell was working 40-60 hours a week running the Veteran's Club while receiving unemployment benefits and lied to the government about it.

Prosecutors said "evidence confirmed that Harrell, as the active and successful founder and CEO of Veteran's Club, could maintain substantial gainful employment," leaving him ineligible for the benefits he received between 2019-23.

He is scheduled to report to prison on Jan. 28, 2025.

On Monday, the judge mentioned more than 50 letters of support for Harrell that he received from people who know him. The courtroom was packed with supporters of Harrell as well.

Harrell is required to pay restitution. The judge has not decided on the amount of restitution in the case.

He is scheduled to report to prison on Jan. 28, 2025. 

Harrell is still currently the CEO of Veteran's Club. He said the board will discuss the future leadership of the nonprofit in the coming days.

"It will not impact it in a negative way, all it will do is make me want to do it that much more," Harrell said. "We're going to expand our advocacy, there's one more thing to advocate for now. One more thing to stand up for and to bring awareness to. We're going to continue to do that at a high level." 

Harrell is scheduled to meet with his attorneys on Tuesday to discuss an appeal.

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