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

[LarryJ]

Look, folks.

When Berney Madoff can squirrel away over $60,000,000,000 and NOBODY knew about it, but him (yeah, RIGHT!), then this woman's crime is piddly.

And, like this woman, the spouse KNEW NOTHING ABOUT IT...............uh-huh? Why is my lack of belief so evident? Could it be because I WASN"T BORN JUST YESTERDAY?

[cvsp]

Gee honey thanks for the lank-front home, the new car and motorcycle. I never knew the VA paid so well..... ya right.

I read it again and it appears she purchased her own engagement ring. What kind of "man" would allow that?

[carlie]

Well the part that just kills me,

"Brown, a former supervisor with the VA disability claims section"

No telling how many deserving claimants were denied their claims

due to this POS. I feel positive she dis her share of spoliating evidence.

I bet the VA did spend any time going over all the claims she handled

in one way or another - to correct more of her screw ups.

jmho,

carlie

[bbknor]

I m sitting here wondering whos profile she used by just changing the name to her hubbies.

[mags1023]

I certainly don't understand the skepticism of all you members. As a kept husband, I don't ask any questions when my wife buys me the new mercedes, the RV, the boat, the gambling trips to Vegas...........huh???what??? damn, someone just woke me up from a great dream :P

Edited March 14, 2009 by mags1023

[Pete53]

He knew