Wifredo A. Ferrer, VA Travel Reimbursement Fraud, Miami FL, 2023

Facing up to five years in prison each, seven Florida defendants have been indicted for defrauding the Department of Veterans Affairs out of nearly $150,000 in travel reimbursement funds. Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and Monty Stokes, Special Agent in Charge of the VA-OIG, announced the charges against Dennis L. Bradley (52), Lee Dixon (55), Terrence M. Fanning (53), Harry J. Kapton (70), Kenneth Leggett (55), Robert Moorer Jr. (58), and Randi D. Seltman (45). All have been released on bond.

The defendants are accused of submitting travel vouchers with false claims for expenses significantly higher than what they actually incurred, collectively receiving $148,813. If convicted, each faces a maximum penalty of up to five years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and restitution.

According to affidavits filed earlier this month, the fraudulent schemes were meticulously orchestrated, with the defendants falsely claiming entitlement to reimbursement for travel expenses. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandy Galler is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.

Wifredo A. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of the VA-OIG, emphasizing the importance of integrity in public service and the commitment to holding fraudsters accountable. The case serves as a stark reminder of the impact fraudulent activities can have on veterans’ benefits.

An indictment is merely an accusation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. For more information, visit the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/fls or the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at http://www.flsd.uscourts.gov.

RELATED: Maine Seniors Hit by Crypto Scam Claw Back $470K

RELATED: Kentucky Woman Gets Four Years for COVID Loan Heist