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.
“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,” Raper 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 show 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) to gain control over his disability payments. Despite being entitled to these payments, the victim was left living in an RV without food and later attempted suicide, leading to hospitalization and suicide watch. During this time, Thompson continued submitting fraudulent documents to the VA.
A nurse overheard the victim giving banking information to Thompson and reported it, which led authorities to investigate further.
Thompson is allowed to remain on bond and will voluntarily surrender herself to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons at a later date.
The case was investigated by the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Greenough.
If anyone suspects fraudulent conduct involving older adults, they are encouraged to contact the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11 or seek additional resources for older adults in Oklahoma.
