Couple Accused of Stealing $2M From Veterans

[koz]

I think a sentence to Leavenworth should be included...

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2010/07/01...est=latestnews

A Houston couple was indicted on allegations that they conspired to steal $2 million from military veterans, MyFoxHouston.com reported.

Former lawyer Joe Phillips, 71, and Dorothy Phillips, 70, turned themselves in to authorities on Tuesday after a Houston grand jury slapped the couple with a list of charges that include conspiracy, misappropriation of a fiduciary, making materially false statements to a federal agency and tax fraud.

Joe Phillips used his clout as a lawyer to get appointed the legal guardian and fiduciary for a number of veterans deemed "incompetent," according to a Texas Attorney General's Office statement. Dorothy Phillips acted as her husband's legal assistant and office manager at his law firm.

The couple is accused of transferring money from the veterans' accounts to a personal account. The alleged scheme is believed to have run from January 2003 to February 2008.

The tax fraud charge carries a maximum potential sentence of three years in prison while every other individual offense carries a maximum five-year prison sentence.

If found guilty, the Phillipses face up to a $250,000 fine and restitution.

[Richard]

Paying back the money + $250k fines + disbarrment would put a severe crimp in the Phillips' lifestyle - especially since they are in their 70s.

Richard's $.02

[LongWire]

Originally Posted by Richard

Paying back the money + $250k fines + disbarrment would put a severe crimp in the Phillips' lifestyle - especially since they are in their 70s.

Richard's $.02

So would Hobbling them!!!!!!

[alright4u]

Originally Posted by LongWire

So would Hobbling them!!!!!!

Roger that. This is not uncommon. There was a women in the LA or west coast AO who took land, cash, and personal property from a dozen or so elderly Vets confined to/living in one of the State's Vet Homes.

This, I suspect, is much more widespread then we know. The VAOIG needs to investigate them all. Even when my wife was in a private nursing home here last year, one woman was fortunately believed by the law about being ripped off. Her own grown son sold her house .

[Saturation]

Another major scam happening is the 'assistance' of various unsavory types in obtaining Aid and Attendant benefits. MANY older veterans are entitled to the financial assistance and those 'helping' are helping themselves to some of the money off the back of the veteran or his widow.


Sad in whatever version we see these scams. May this couple get what they deserve and a bit more!

[alright4u]

Thanks for bringing that up.