Cathedral Henderson Sentenced for Falsifying Veterans’ Records

AUGUSTA, GA — Cathedral Henderson, 51, was sentenced yesterday to 27 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for falsifying the medical records of more than 2,700 veterans at the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center in Augusta, Georgia. The conviction, handed down by United States District Court Judge J. Randal Hall, caps a damning federal case revealing a calculated scheme by a trusted VA official to deceive the system and endanger vulnerable veterans.

Henderson, the former Chief of Non-VA Care Coordination at the facility, systematically manipulated patient records by marking unresolved medical consults—appointments never scheduled or completed—as “patient refused services or services provided.” This widespread fraud spanned hundreds of cases, artificially reducing the appearance of a critical backlog in veteran care. The actions not only violated federal law but jeopardized the health and treatment timelines of countless veterans relying on timely medical interventions.

After a week-long trial earlier this year, a federal jury convicted Henderson on all counts. Evidence presented during the trial detailed how Henderson knowingly falsified records to meet performance metrics, creating a false impression of efficiency while actual patient needs went unmet. When confronted by federal investigators, Henderson compounded his crimes by lying under investigation, attempting to conceal the full scope of the deception.

United States Attorney Ed Tarver didn’t mince words: “Our VA officials and employees are entrusted with the health and welfare of some of the most honorable and vulnerable in our nation – our veterans. This Defendant’s actions weakened our nation’s confidence in the agency empowered to care for its veterans. This U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to end corruption wherever it appears.”

Michael J. Missal, Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, emphasized the breach of trust: “This guilty verdict came as a result of a collaborative effort between the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General. This VA employee held a position of trust, but elected to manipulate veterans’ medical records to give the false appearance that the number of unfulfilled consult appointments was lower than the actual backlog, putting veterans at risk.”

VA-OIG Special Agent in Charge Monty Stokes added, “Our investigation held this VA employee accountable for his deliberate actions that delayed delivery of vital health care with false statements.” The probe was led by VA-OIG Special Agent Tracy Brumfield. Assistant United States Attorneys Lamont A. Belk and Patricia G. Rhodes prosecuted the case. For more information, contact First Assistant United States Attorney James D. Durham at (912) 201-2547.