Fraudulent Benefits Case Involving U.S. Army Veteran’s Ex-Wife
In a recent ruling that highlights the seriousness of fraud against veterans’ programs, the ex-wife of a deceased U.S. Army veteran has been sentenced for her role in obtaining spousal benefits under false pretenses. Miranda Rachel Briggs, previously known as Miranda Rachel Fisher, pled guilty to wire fraud and now faces incarceration and financial restitution.
The Case Background
The saga began in November 2015 when Briggs married G.B., a U.S. Army veteran, while retaining her maiden name. Their marriage was short-lived; Briggs filed for divorce less than a year later. Unbeknownst to her, the implications of their legal separation would come back to haunt her. Just two weeks after the divorce was finalized, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) approved G.B.’s request to remove her as a beneficiary.
A Series of Deceptive Claims
As the years progressed, Briggs found herself in financial distress. In January 2018, she filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, citing her divorce from G.B. Tragically, G.B. passed away later that same month. Seizing the opportunity, Briggs filed for VA benefits, deceitfully claiming to be his surviving spouse.
What’s more, she applied for Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA) benefits just a few months later, again falsely asserting that she was married to G.B. throughout his life. When the VA initially rejected her claims, Briggs submitted additional documentation stating that their marriage had been intact until his death, leading to the reversal of the VA’s decision and approval of her benefits.
Legal Maneuvering and Further Deceptions
Briggs didn’t stop there. She subsequently petitioned the Chatham County Superior Court to change her name to Miranda Rachel Briggs, which was granted in June 2018. This legal adjustment was another step in her fraudulent scheme. In April 2021, she sought to become the administrator of G.B.’s estate, once again pretending to be his surviving spouse. The Probate Court, unaware of her deception, approved her petition in December of that year.
Taking her audacity a step further, she filed a lawsuit against the United States, demanding over seven million dollars in damages stemming from G.B.’s death. It was during this process that the U.S. government’s legal team uncovered the truth about her fraudulent claims, culminating in the dismissal of her lawsuit.
Consequences of the Fraud
In March 2023, the Chatham County Probate Court acted to remove Briggs as the administrator of G.B.’s estate, recognizing that she had been divorced from him at the time of his death. Overall, Briggs managed to secure approximately $49,000 for medical care and around $80,000 in VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation benefits through her deceit, leading the court to note that she even spent substantial sums on cosmetic surgeries following her approval for CHAMPVA benefits.
Judicial Response
During the sentencing hearing, U.S. District Court Judge Lisa Godbey Wood delivered a clear message regarding the consequences of fraud against veterans. Briggs received a two-month prison sentence, was ordered to pay back more than $129,000 in restitution to the VA, and was placed under three years of supervised release post-incarceration.
Tara M. Lyons, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia, emphasized the necessity of punishing those who exploit programs designed to support the families of deceased veterans. Special Agent in Charge David Spilker of the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General echoed these sentiments, affirming their commitment to identify and prosecute fraud that undermines the integrity of veterans’ assistance programs.
This case serves as a powerful reminder of the judicial system’s role in safeguarding the resources meant to support the families of veterans, ensuring that such resources are not misappropriated by those who would take advantage of them.
