FLORIDA — A Jacksonville woman has pleaded guilty to stealing over $100,000 of Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) funds, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida (USAO) has announced.
Tamiko L. Williams, 48, faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison for theft of government money, said the USAO. A sentencing date has not been scheduled. As part of her plea, Ms. Williams agreed to forfeit $103,820, the proceeds of her criminal conduct.
According to court documents, between December 2019 and April 2022, Ms. Williams agreed to be a fiduciary for VA funds meant to benefit her disabled family member.
During that time, Ms. Williams made large cash withdrawals from the fiduciary account and used it for personal spending until she was removed from the 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.
This case was investigated by the Department of Veterans Affairs – Office of Inspector General’s Southeast Field Office and the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorney Brenna Falzetta is prosecuting it. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Harrington is handling the forfeiture.
