A Tulsa woman has been sentenced to four years in federal prison for stealing the identity of a disabled Army veteran, according to an announcement from U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
Monica J. Thompson, 40, received a sentence of 48 months imprisonment and one year of supervised release from U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell. She was also ordered to pay $29,440.39 in restitution after being convicted on two counts of aggravated identity theft.
“Taking advantage of a veteran that served our country will never be tolerated in the Northern District of Oklahoma,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “Thompson not only engaged in identity theft but also took advantage of a vulnerable disabled veteran for her own benefit.”
Special Agent in Charge Kris Raper with the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General’s South-Central Field Office commented on the outcome: “This sentence sends a clear message that those who would exploit veterans will be held accountable,” he said. “The VA OIG is grateful to the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners for their efforts to achieve justice in this case.”
Court documents reveal that Thompson conspired with her boyfriend to defraud an elderly disabled veteran by arranging a sham marriage. After marrying the victim, she submitted false applications to the Veterans Administration (VA) in order to gain control over his disability payments. The victim, though entitled to these benefits, ended up living in an RV without food and later attempted suicide before being hospitalized.
While the victim was under suicide watch at the hospital, Thompson continued submitting fraudulent documents to the VA. A nurse overheard the victim providing banking information to Thompson and reported it, leading authorities to investigate further.
Thompson has been allowed to remain free on bond until she voluntarily surrenders herself to federal prison authorities.
The case was investigated by the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Greenough.
Individuals who suspect fraud involving older adults are encouraged to contact the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11 or seek additional resources available for older adults in Oklahoma.
