MAN SENTENCED TO FEDERAL PRISON FOR THEFT OF FUNDS FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA - Anthony Brewer, 47, was sentenced to two years in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to theft of government property valued at over $50,000 in Department of Veterans Affairs funds. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

United States Attorney Heekin said: "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. 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."

Court documents reflect that the defendant agreed to serve as a fiduciary under the Department of Veteran Affairs' fiduciary program and manage the monetary benefits of an individual who was unable to manage their own benefits. As part of the agreement, the defendant agreed to use the funds for the care, support, health, welfare, comfort, and desires of the beneficiary. The defendant subsequently misused and stole funds provided by the VA for the beneficiary between October 7, 2020, and January 9, 2023.

"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."

Brewer was ordered to pay $53,567 in restitution and his sentence will run consecutive to a state of Florida prison sentence that he is currently serving.

This case resulted from an investigation 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 United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation's principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit theU.S. District Court for the Northern District of FloridaLinks to other government and non-government sites will typically appear with the "external link" icon to indicate that you are leaving the Department of Justice website when you click the link. website. For more information about the United States Attorney's Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.