FILE - The US Department of Veterans Affairs building is seen in Washington, DC, on July 22, 2019. (ALASTAIR PIKE/AFP via Getty Images)
The Department of Justice (DOJ) says a Florida man has pleaded guilty to theft of over $50,000 of Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) funds.
The backstory:
The DOJ says Anthony Brewer, 47, served as a fiduciary under the VA's fiduciary program and managed the monetary benefits of an individual who was unable to manage their own benefits.
Under the fiduciary program, the VA says Brewer agreed to use the funds for the care, support, health, welfare, comfort, and desires of the beneficiary. An investigation revealed that Brewer misused and stole funds provided by the VA for the beneficiary between October 7, 2020, and January 9, 2023.
What they're saying:
"This defendant abused his position of trust to financially benefit himself by illegally diverting money that was intended to support one of our brave military veterans, and this prison sentence ensures he is held accountable for his selfish, criminal conduct," said United States Attorney Heekin. "Our military veterans deserve our respect and gratitude, and my office will ensure they receive the government benefits they have earned through their sacrifice and service by aggressively prosecuting anyone who tries to steal the U.S. government moneys intended for their support."
"This sentence holds the defendant accountable for defrauding a vulnerable beneficiary who was incapable of managing their finances," said Special Agent in Charge David Spilker with the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General’s Southeast Field Office. "VA fiduciary roles require high integrity and trust, and the VA OIG is committed to rigorously investigating those who exploit veterans and their families."
What's next:
Brewer, 47, was sentenced to two years in federal prison and will run consecutive to a state of Florida prison sentence that he is currently serving. He was also ordered to pay $53,567 in restitution.
The case was investigated by the Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General, Criminal Investigations Division. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph A. Ravelo and former Assistant United States Attorney Harley W. Ferguson prosecuted the case.
The Source: Information in this article was provided by the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This story was reported from Orlando.