Charges: Former soldier took disability benefits while playing in rec basketball league

SEATTLE (AP) — A former Idaho National Guard soldier who is also an official in the Washington city of Snoqualmie has been indicted on charges that he lied about suffering an injury in Iraq so that he could collect more than $250,000 in benefits.

Investigators say that in claims for state and federal benefits, Darryl Lee Wright wrote that because of the injury he was unable to tie his shoes or prepare his own meals.

In reality, they say, he's the chairman of the planning commission in Snoqualmie and a rec league basketball player.

Prosecutors say the explosion in which Wright claimed he was wounded was a small blast about 100 yards away.

His attorney says he will contest the charges.

Wright's sister was also charged. Prosecutors say she was paid as his caregiver.