A Los Angeles man has been sentenced for defrauding military veterans' families and educational institutions in California. The man ran a fraudulent operation that targeted family members of military veterans and various educational institutions across the state. The scheme involved charging these families at least $500 each for fraudulent tuition waivers.
The CalVet program, which provides free tuition waivers to eligible students, including children of military veterans with a 100% service-connected disability, was exploited by the man. The waivers are applicable at University of California (UC), California State University (CSU), and community college campuses statewide. As part of a plea agreement, the man has been sentenced to 40 months in state prison and ordered to pay $450,000 in restitution.
Attorney General Bonta expressed his commitment to holding individuals accountable for exploiting military service members and their families. He stated, "Individuals who attempt to exploit military service members and their families will face consequences. Today's sentencing reaffirms that commitment."
The fraudulent scheme defrauded approximately 23 universities and resulted in a loss of over $500,000 in public funds through waived tuition. Additionally, military families were collectively charged at least $30,000. The man entered a no-contest plea to seven felony charges, including grand theft, forging a government seal, forgery by false document, and unauthorized use of personal identifying information.
Attorney General Bonta commended the collaborative efforts that led to the investigation and expressed his continued dedication to protecting the welfare of service members, veterans, and their families. The sentencing sends a strong message that such fraudulent activities will not be tolerated, and those responsible will face appropriate consequences.