So how come these two didn't have VA problems? Couple, 67 and 63, plead to VA benefits theft, conspiracy

SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. — Thu, 27 Aug 2015 09:17:45 -0400

ALEXANDRIA, La. — A former Concordia Parish couple has pleaded guilty in a scheme to steal veterans' benefits, federal prosecutors say.

U.S. Attorney Stephanie Finley said Tuesday that Alfred Lewis Jr., 67, of Ferriday, Louisiana, pleaded guilty Friday to one count of theft of government funds: $197,780 in veterans' benefits received over 10 years.

She said in a news release that Rose Lewis, 36, of Natchez, Mississippi, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to steal the money.

Alfred Lewis, who served in the Air Force, applied for veterans' benefits in July 2003 and received them until November 2013.

Prosecutors say Rose Lewis was earning more than $50,000 a year, but both Lewises sent Veterans Affairs written statements denying that she was working.

Alfred Lewis could get up to 10 years in prison, and Rose Lewis up to five. Each also could be fined $250,000 and ordered to repay the money.

U.S. District Judge Dee Drell scheduled sentencing Nov. 23 in Alexandria.

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Aug 27 at 2015 9:21 AM

SGT Ben Keen — Thu, 27 Aug 2015 09:21:09 -0400

It's because of people like this that there is such a backlog of claims. While i hope they get max for their crimes, I doubt it will play out like that.

Response by SGM Steve Wettstein made Aug 27 at 2015 9:22 AM

SGM Steve Wettstein — Thu, 27 Aug 2015 09:22:54 -0400

SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. Go figure. The ones that need it and do it by the book have to wait and the ones that are not authorized it get the benefits.

Response by SSG Leo Bell made Aug 27 at 2015 9:33 AM

SSG Leo Bell — Thu, 27 Aug 2015 09:33:51 -0400

This is really sad because the ones who need it and tell the truth can't get what they need from the Va, but the ones who lie on there paperwork get it. How is that and who does the investigation for this?

Response by LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow made Aug 27 at 2015 10:28 AM

LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow — Thu, 27 Aug 2015 10:28:07 -0400

This had to be for Non-Service-Connected Pension, which has an income test. The VA and IRS share data, but the VA has been overwhelmed with claims the last 15 years, so it's not surprising that this slipped through the cracks...

Response by SSG(P) Erik Hein made Aug 28 at 2015 1:11 AM

SSG(P) Erik Hein — Fri, 28 Aug 2015 01:11:55 -0400

Wow! this actually took place in the system that we have put all of our fait into. I cannot believe that they thought they would get away with it. It's disgusting. I say firing squad.