A Jacksonville, Fla woman pleaded guilty to stealing more than $100,000 worth of Veterans Affairs (VA) funds. According to an official statement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida, Tamiko L. Williams faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison for theft of government money. Williams was formerly employed by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.
As part of her plea, Williams agreed to forfeit $103,820, the proceeds of her criminal conduct.
According to court documents, between December 2019 and continuing through April 2022, Williams agreed to be a fiduciary for Veterans Affairs funds that were meant to benefit her disabled family member. During that time, Williams made large cash withdrawals from the fiduciary account and used it for personal spending until she was removed from the fiduciary account in April 2022.
“Today’s guilty plea sends a clear message that the VA OIG will vigorously investigate those who steal from vulnerable veterans who are unable to manage their financial affairs,” said Special Agent in Charge David Spilker with the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General’s Southeast Field Office. “The VA OIG appreciates the support of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their efforts to stop fraud within the VA’s Fiduciary Program.”
This case was investigated by 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 Assistant United States Attorney Brenna Falzetta. The forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Harrington.
