New Orleans, LA – James Jay Sinyard, 61, and Mary Gigi Sinyard, 58, pleaded guilty to federal wire fraud charges in connection with a scheme to defraud the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) out of over $2 million in funds.
The scheme involved submitting over 100 false applications to the VA, claiming services had been provided by VetAttend of Jackson, a company owned by the Sinyard couple. The applications included false affidavits stating that the company was already providing services to veterans in need of home aid and attendance.
As a result of the scheme, the VA issued funds to over 70 veterans and their surviving spouses, from whom VetAttend of Jackson misappropriated approximately $2,136,329.68 in fraudulent funds. The scheme lasted from April 2013 to at least December 2020.
“Today’s guilty plea sends a clear message to those who would exploit veterans to commit fraud that they will be investigated and held accountable,” said Special Agent in Charge Kris Raper with the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General’s South-Central Field Office.
The Sinyard couple faces a possible maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, up to a $250,000 fine, up to 3 years supervised release, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. They are scheduled to be sentenced on September 28, 2023.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office praised the work of the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General in uncovering the scheme.
The prosecution of the case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Kathryn McHugh, Financial Crimes Unit.
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Key Facts
- State: Louisiana
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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