Maybe This Is Why I Haven't Gotten Anywhere In 10 Years

[carlie]

http://www.va.gov/oig/publications/press-release.asp?id=28

U.S. Department Of Veterans Affairs

Office of Inspector General

Office of Investigations

Washington, DC 20420

(202) 565-7702

Tuesday, March 02, 1999

Former VA Claims Examiner Pleads Guilty to Theft, Mail Fraud and Money Laundering

Richard J. Griffin,

Inspector General, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), announced today that Joy C. Brown, Supervisory Veterans Claims Examiner, VA Regional Office, St. Petersburg, FL, pleaded guilty to charges of theft, mail fraud and money laundering in connection with her theft of $615,472 from VA.

Brown, a former supervisor with the VA disability claims section, admitted that she created computerized records, which fraudulently reflected that her fiancé, a police officer, was a 100% service-connected disabled veteran. She then caused VA to make direct-deposit payments into a joint bank account maintained in both of their names.

Brown used the proceeds to purchase several expensive items, which included a lakefront home, a motorcycle, two automobiles, and two engagement rings.

Other proceeds were used to make renovations to Brown's home, such as building a second story onto the home and installing a swimming pool. In addition to these expenditures, she had the home professionally landscaped.

As a condition of the plea agreement, Brown will be required to forfeit all of the above items including $68,000 in U.S. currency and travelers checks, which is already in the possession of the Government.

Griffin noted there was no evidence reflecting the fiancé knew anything about the scheme.

Griffin stated the VA Program Fraud Task Force, Tampa, FL, investigated the case.

The Task Force, formed to combat fraud against the United States Government, is comprised of special agents from VA Office of Inspector General, the Postal Inspection Service, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Assistant United States Attorney Robert A. Mosakowski, Tampa, FL, handled the prosecution of the case.

Edited March 13, 2009 by carlie

[cvsp]

While the whole thing stinks, I laughed at this one.

Griffin noted there was no evidence reflecting the fiancé knew anything about the scheme.

A lady who worked at the VA could afford all that and a bank account in both their names, yet a police officer was not aware of the scheme???

[pacmanx1]

Damn, Damn, Damn, He's a police officer and didn't know. Something really stinks here. I think they should investigate more. I get direct deposit and each month I get a bank statement that shows how much went in my account. I understand they had a joint account but the transaction was an EFT payment in his Frigging name from the VA not hers, she set up the claimthe money was in his name . Imagine you get $2500.00 or more a month in your account wouldn't you think something is up. If he didn't know he must be dumber than Barney Fife from Andy Griffith. I think the cops are taking up for their fellow officer but what the hell do I know. It was over $600,00.00 let's get real here. He very well knew. Damn, Damn, Damn.

Pete992

[timetowinarace]

ummmmmm...........yeah,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,uhhhhhhhhhhh........................

Oh sh^t. I can't even think straight now. Guess I'll just use Rentals phrase: "AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

I'm at a loss of words.

[cvsp]

I just had to comment on this again.

I wish I lived in the town where this cop worked. If he claims he was not aware then I would be not wanting such an officer in my town.

Who gets a joint account before they are married? Anyone want to bet that the only deposits in the account were for the disability?

I would bet the joint account was set up for the sole purpose of the scam. Think about it. If they were both in on it then they would want access to the money.

I bet they both had ATM cards and I would bet both ATM cards were used to withdraw money.

He is guilty as sin. I bet she took a plea and leaving him out was in the plea. Now he is still employed and she can fall back on that.

That is over 20 years of payments? Did it go on for 20 years? I am thinking she did something to cash in on the big retro.

Edited March 13, 2009 by cvsp

[john999]

She probably got probation. I am guessing she did restitution and probably got community service. I do hope she got fired! She should be sitting in jail for about 5 years.

[cvsp]

She probably got probation. I am guessing she did restitution and probably got community service. I do hope she got fired! She should be sitting in jail for about 5 years.

You can get fired from the VA? I did not know that.