April Tucker Beard, Veterans Assistance Claim Fraud, Mississippi 2024
Gulfport, Mississippi - A Gulfport business owner and her school have been ordered to pay $916,392 for fraudulent veterans assistance claims.
On October 5, 2023, the United States filed a civil complaint against April Tucker Beard and her businesses, April's Mane Attraction, Inc. (AMA) and April's Mane Attraction, Inc., Academy (AMA/Academy), pursuant to the False Claims Act (FCA) seeking treble damages and penalties.
The United States alleged that Beard and her school knowingly defrauded the United States Department of Veterans Affairs' Post-9/11 GI Bill education assistance program.
The Post-9/11 GI Bill provides educational assistance benefits for eligible veterans and members of the armed services who enroll in qualified education or training programs.
Beard and AMA/Academy falsely certified that they provided 1500 hours of formal class instruction to its students when they did not do so.
As a result of Beard's false certifications, the United States claimed Beard fraudulently received $235,734 in tuition payments for barber instructor and/or training services she did not provide to veterans.
On April 19, 2024, United States District Judge Halil Suleyman Ozerden entered judgment against Beard, AMA, and AMA/Academy for $916,392.
“The Post-9/11 GI Bill is an important part of our promise to aid our military veterans and their families for honorably serving our country,” said Todd Gee, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Mississippi.
Beard, real full name: April Tucker Beard, is the defendant/respondent.
Exact criminal charges: Fraudulent veterans assistance claims.
City and state: Gulfport, Mississippi.
Exact date: October 5, 2023.
Sentence or outcome: $916,392 judgment.
Dollar amounts: $916,392, $235,734.
Key Facts
- State: Mississippi
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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