Tijuanna J. Thomas, Theft of Government Property, Florida 2024

Tijuanna J. Thomas, a 65-year-old woman from Daytona Beach, Florida, has pleaded guilty to stealing over $88,000 in Veterans Affairs funds. The theft occurred between 2016 and 2024.

According to the plea agreement, Tijuanna J. Thomas received both VA and Social Security benefits, which were direct deposited into a checking account she shared with her late partner, R.S. Despite R.S.’s death on May 6, 2016, Thomas failed to report the death to the VA or the SSA, allowing the agencies to continue depositing benefits into the account. Thomas then spent the stolen funds on her own personal expenses.

As part of her plea agreement, Thomas has agreed to forfeit $88,440, the proceeds of her criminal conduct, and to make full restitution to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Social Security Administration (SSA). Thomas faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and is scheduled to be sentenced on July 10, 2024.

The investigation was conducted by the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General’s Southeast Field Office and the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Del Mastro.

Thomas is scheduled to be sentenced on July 10, 2024, and could face up to 10 years in federal prison. She has agreed to forfeit $88,440 and make restitution to the VA and SSA.

Tijuanna J. Thomas’s actions not only betrayed the trust of the VA and SSA but also caused financial harm to those who need the benefits the most – our nation’s veterans.

The investigation and prosecution of this case demonstrate the commitment of our law enforcement agencies and prosecutors to protecting the public’s trust and holding accountable those who engage in theft and other white-collar crimes.

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