Former Federal Employee Who Stole Government Property For Home Improvement Projects Is Sentenced

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that VENITA GODFREY-SCOTT, 48, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to four years of probation, the first six months of which GODFREY-SCOTT must spend in home confinement with electronic monitoring, for stealing government property that she used for various home improvement projects.  GODFREY-SCOTT was also ordered to perform 120 hours of community service and to pay restitution in the amount of $15,000.

According to court documents and statements made in court, GODFREY-SCOTT was employed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (“VA”) at the Medical Center in West Haven as a supervisor in the Facilities Management Service, which is responsible for carpentry, paint, locks, doors, and other minor construction projects at the Medical Center.  From approximately 2010 until 2013, GODFREY-SCOTT directed VA employees that she supervised to perform home improvement projects at her private residence, including a deck in her backyard, carpet installation, and various kitchen, bathroom and basement improvements.  GODFREY-SCOTT directed the employees to use materials, supplies, tools, and vehicles belonging to the VA, and also had the employees purchase necessary materials at local stores using her government-issued credit card.  She sometimes directed the employees to work on her home improvement projects during their regular work hours while they were being paid by the VA.  The total loss to the government as a result of GODFREY-SCOTT’s criminal conduct is estimated to be between $15,000 and $20,000.

On May 14, 2014, GODFREY-SCOTT pleaded guilty to one count of theft of government property.

This matter was investigated by the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General, the Department of Veterans Affairs Police and the General Services Administration Office of Inspector General Northeast Regional Investigations Office.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Neeraj N. Patel.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:

U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
thomas.carson@usdoj.gov