Gulfport, Miss. –
April Tucker Beard, the owner of April’s Mane Attraction, Inc. (AMA) and April’s Mane Attraction, Inc., Academy (AMA/Academy) in Moss Point, Mississippi, has been sentenced to $916,392 for her role in a scheme to defraud the United States Department of Veterans Affairs’ Post-9/11 GI Bill education assistance program.
According to court documents, Beard and her school knowingly defrauded the government out of $235,734 in tuition payments by falsely certifying that they provided 1500 hours of formal class instruction to students when they did not do so. Instead, they charged grossly inflated tuition and fees for VA students, amounting to $22,400, compared to $2,400 for non-VA students.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi alleges that Beard did not regularly conduct classes or provide instruction, and most veteran students did not receive certificates of completion or test to fulfill licensing requirements in Mississippi. The office also claims that Beard did not maintain accurate attendance records or payment ledgers to conceal her failure to adhere to program requirements.
In a statement, Todd Gee, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Mississippi, said, “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. This type of fraud drains funds from vital veterans’ programs and this office remains committed to holding offenders who abuse and exploit these programs accountable.”
The investigation was the result of a coordinated effort between the VA OIG, the Veterans Benefits Administration, Education Service, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, SDMS. Assistant United States Attorney Deidre Colson investigated and litigated this matter.
Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General Special Agent in Charge Kris Raper said, “Safeguarding Post-9/11 GI Bill education benefit funds reserved for deserving veterans remains a priority, and this judgment is a testament to our commitment to holding accountable those who would defraud VA’s benefit programs.”
Beard’s actions have resulted in a judgment of $916,392, which includes treble damages and penalties. This case is a stark reminder of the importance of protecting veterans’ benefits and holding those who would steal from them accountable.”
Related Federal Cases
- Pearl Attorney Guilty of Stealing from Veterans · Mississippi
- Gas Station Owner Admits Poisoning Yazoo City Sewage · Mississippi
- LBS Tax Services Owner, Franchisees Face Tax Fraud Charges · Mississippi
- FDIC Assembles New Banking Watchdogs · Washington
- Live Nation & Ticketmaster Face Antitrust Fight in NY · Washington
Key Facts
- State: Mississippi
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
