Tampa Caregiver Sentenced for Swindling Vets Out of $37,402

Tampa Man Sentenced to 90 Days for Swindling Vets Out of $37,402

Rupert G. McLendon, III, a 51-year-old Tampa man, has been sentenced to 90 days in federal prison for his role in a wire fraud scheme that targeted the Veterans Health Administration’s Veteran Directed Home and Community Based Services (VDHCBS) Program. McLendon, a paid caregiver for a family member through the VDHCBS program, was convicted of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and ordered to pay $37,402 in restitution as part of his sentence.

According to court documents, McLendon failed to notify the VDHCBS program when the veteran for whom he was caring was hospitalized in August 2018 and subsequently passed away on or about December 31, 2018. Instead, McLendon continued to submit false claims for reimbursement, causing a total loss of at least $37,402.39 to the program and a government contractor associated with it.

“The Veteran-Directed Care program provides a vital bridge between VA’s treatment team and the daily care needs of our nation’s veterans,” said Special Agent in Charge David Spilker with the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General’s Southeast Field Office. “This sentencing sends a clear message that those who would exploit veterans to commit fraud will be investigated and held accountable.”

The case was investigated by the Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of the Inspector General, and prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Suzanne Huyler. McLendon entered a guilty plea on January 25, 2024, and was sentenced by U.S. District Judge James S. Moody.

McLendon’s sentence is a stark reminder that those who prey on vulnerable veterans will face the full force of the law. The VDHCBS program is designed to provide critical support to veterans and their families, and it is unacceptable that McLendon would exploit this system for his own gain.

The Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General, will continue to work with law enforcement partners to safeguard the VDHCBS program and other vital VA initiatives.