Nursing Assistant Receives Jail Sentence for Stealing from Wheelchair-Bound Veteran

PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney William M. McSwain announced that Jacoya Brazzle, 31, of Coatesville, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to eight months’ incarceration, five years supervised release and full restitution by United States Timothy J. Savage for stealing money from a veteran patient in her care.

The defendant was a nursing assistant at the VA Medical Center (VAMC) in Coatesville. As part of her duties, she was assigned to care for a veteran who uses a wheelchair. Brazzle learned the veteran’s ATM card PIN number, and used his ATM card to access his account – withdrawing funds on more than 10 occasions from ATMs in the Coatesville area over a two month timespan. In all, the defendant stole approximately $11,000 from the victim’s bank account.

“Our veterans deserve our gratitude for their service, and it goes without saying that they deserve safe and trustworthy care at VA Medical Centers,” said U.S. Attorney McSwain. “The defendant’s conduct here – stealing from a wheelchair-bound veteran in her care – is reprehensible. My Office will investigate and prosecute any crimes against veterans to the fullest extent possible.”

“VA employees that take advantage of vulnerable veterans in their care will not be tolerated,” said Special Agent in Charge Sean J. Smith, Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General, Criminal Investigations Division, Northeast Field Office.

The case was investigated by the Office of Inspector General for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nancy Rue.