Pamela Parker, Bribery, Louisiana 2014

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Table of Contents

VA Employee Demands Degree for Grant Help

A former U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs employee has been caught in a bribery scheme, demanding a Doctor of Nursing Science degree in exchange for helping a Louisiana university with a grant proposal. Pamela Parker, a 55-year-old resident of New Orleans, pleaded guilty to one count of demanding an illegal gratuity.

According to court documents, Parker was assigned by the VA to determine if the agency should partner with LSU School of Nursing to strengthen its grant application. During her meetings with LSU representatives, Parker demanded things of personal value to her in exchange for her assistance on the grant proposal. As a Registered Nurse herself, Parker’s demands included a Doctor of Nursing Science degree.

The scheme allegedly took place in the fall of 2014, when LSU School of Nursing sought to apply for a highly competitive federal grant designed to transition veterans into nursing careers. Parker’s actions are the latest example of public corruption, according to U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite.

Parker faces statutory penalties of up to two years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and one year of supervised release. Her sentencing is set for May 4, 2016. U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Marquest J. Meeks is in charge of the prosecution.

The guilty plea is a significant blow to the VA, which has faced criticism for its handling of veterans’ affairs. The agency has faced numerous scandals in recent years, including allegations of misconduct and mismanagement.

Parker’s actions demonstrate a clear abuse of power, and her guilty plea serves as a reminder that public officials will be held accountable for their actions. The VA must take steps to prevent similar corruption in the future and ensure that veterans receive the care and support they deserve.

This case is a stark reminder of the need for transparency and accountability in government agencies. As a nation, we expect more from our public officials, and it is our duty to hold them accountable when they fail to meet those expectations.