St. Louis, MO – VICTORIA JEAN BRILEY, of Wentzville, admitted to collecting $138,000 in veteran’s benefits in the name of her deceased mother. 

According to the plea agreement, after her mother’s death in 2006, Briley maintained control over a bank account in her mother’s name which received the monthly payments from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.  When confronted by investigators, Briley admitted she had been concealing her mother’s death from the government and improperly receiving the benefits for years.

Briley pled guilty to one count of theft of government funds before United States District Judge Audrey G. Fleissig. Sentencing has been set for November 4, 2014. 

The maximum term of imprisonment for theft of government funds is 10 years and/or a fine of $250,000.  Restitution to the government is also mandatory. In determining the actual sentences, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs-Office of Inspector General.  Assistant United States Attorney Tom Albus is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.