According to a press release from the United States Attorney’s Office District of Utah, a federal grand jury in Salt Lake City returned a four-count indictment charging Michelle L. Bouziden, 44, Ogden — an Assistant Special Agent in Charge for the United States Department of Agriculture Office of the Inspector General (USDA-OIG) — with defrauding the United States.

According to the release, court documents note that Bouziden suffered a concussion on the job in March 2026.

“Beginning around May 14, 2026, she falsely reported that ongoing symptoms left her totally disabled and unable to work,” the release said. “In filings with the Department of Labor Office of Workers’ Compensation Program, Bouziden sought disability pay claiming she was completely unable to engage in ‘arduous physical activity’ and cognitive reasoning,’ and could not perform any required work tasks such as: sitting, walking, standing, twisting, bending, squatting, kneeling, climbing, and operating a motor vehicle. Yet, Bouziden received disability payments as she simultaneously traveled internationally and actively pursued a high-endurance, athletic lifestyle.

“Court filings allege Bouziden submitted documents to the Department of Labor indicating she was totally disabled and too symptomatic to return to work on the same day she flew to Italy to hike the Dolomites. Bouziden allegedly remained in Italy for two weeks, hiking over 50 miles and documenting her experience on social media. Prior to leaving, Bouziden allegedly canceled a Department of Labor appointment for a mandatory, independent second opinion medical evaluation claiming it conflicted with a ‘wellness retreat.'”

The release includes social media posts allegedly made by Bouziden, including photos from the Dolomites and a screen capture of a hiking app showing that she had just completed a 9.8 mile in just under seven hours.

The indictment alleges Bouziden received $51,571.73 in disability compensation.

United States Attorney Melissa Holyoak of the District of Utah said there is no place for fraud like this.

“Our federal law enforcement is filled with hardworking, dedicated employees who sacrifice to keep the people of Utah and this country safe,” she said in the release. “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.”

According to the release, Bouziden is charged with wire fraud, false reports for federal workers’ compensation benefits, obstruction of federal department and agency proceedings and theft of government property. Her trial is scheduled to begin Nov. 30, 2026 at the Orrin G. Hatch United States Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General (USDA-OIG) is investigating this case. Assistant United States Attorney Luisa Gough of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah is prosecuting the case.