Former Army Reservist Sentenced for Conspiracy to Commit Theft of Government Funds

NEW ORLEANS – Former United States Army reservist LYNEA SANDERS was sentenced on June 15, 2023, to 3 years of probation, 150 hours of community service, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.  Pursuant to the Mandatory Victim Restitution Act, Chief Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown further imposed restitution of $21,780.18, which SANDERS has already paid.  SANDERS previously pled guilty to conspiracy to commit theft of government funds, having stolen $21,780.18 from the United States Department of the Army by claiming reimbursement for the performance of military funeral honors ceremonies that never happened. 

The National Defense Authorization Act of 2000 authorizes military funeral honors for active-duty soldiers, retirees, and veterans.  At a family’s request, eligible persons can receive military funeral honors, including the folding and presenting of the United States flag and the playing of “Taps.”

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Army Criminal Investigation Command, including Special Agents Dustin Stevens, John Hiniker, Jeffrey Riedeman, and Denny Richter.  The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Andre J. Lagarde of the Public Integrity Unit.