The US Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida released a statement about the prison sentencing of a man who forged his deceased mother’s signature to receive her dependency compensation from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Below is an official statement from the U.S. Attorney:
U.S. District Judge Katheryn Kimball Mizelle has sentenced Anthony Green (71, New Port Richey) to 15 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for theft of government funds. As part of his sentence, the court also entered an order of forfeiture in the amount of $163,379.76, the proceeds of the offense. Green entered a guilty plea on January 24, 2024.
According to court documents, Green’s mother, E.G., received Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). E.G. passed away in October 2014. At the time of her death, her benefits were being sent via U.S. Treasury check, and the VA continued to issue these checks on behalf of E.G. after her death. Green forged E.G.’s signature on each monthly benefit check and deposited the checks into a bank account he controlled. In total, Green knowingly and willfully stole or converted approximately $163,379 in VA DIC.
“This sentence should send a message that the VA Office of Inspector General will vigorously investigate those who would fraudulently exploit VA programs intended to benefit surviving family members of deceased veterans,” said Special Agent in Charge David Spilker of the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General’s Southeast Field Office. “The VA OIG thanks the US Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners for their efforts in this investigation.”
This case was investigated by the Veterans Affairs – Office of the Inspector General. It was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Suzanne Huyler.
