Rankin County Woman Sentenced to 37 months for Misappropriating Disabled Veteran Benefit Funds

Jackson, MS - A Rankin County woman was sentenced to 37 months in prison on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, for misusing Veterans Benefit Administration money entrusted to her to benefit a disabled Army Veteran. The total loss of taxpayer funds was $276,450.31. As part of the sentence, the loss amount was ordered payable as restitution to the veteran victim.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Darla Storey, 57, began serving as a fiduciary on March 18, 2016, and was responsible for managing the financial affairs of her adult son who was permanently disabled and wheelchair-bound due to service-connected disabilities. As part of her fiduciary duties, Darla Storey had agreed and was required to use funds entrusted to her solely for the veteran's benefit, to file regular accountings, and to never commingle the funds.

During her five years as a fiduciary, Darla Storey misappropriated VA funds by using them for her own benefit through transferring the money to her personal bank account, purchasing a vehicle the beneficiary never used, paying bills, and taking trips even when the beneficiary was not living with her. She routinely failed to file proper accountings and used funds entrusted to her for the disabled veteran for her own benefit.

United States Attorney Baxter Kruger of the Southern District of Mississippi made the announcement.

The Department of Veterans Affairs - Office of Inspector General investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney C. Brett Grantham prosecuted the case.