Cincinnati woman charged with stealing more than $148,000 from elderly or ill veterans

CINCINNATI – Federal agents arrested a Cincinnati woman today in Louisville, Kentucky, on charges alleging she misappropriated money that she was managing on behalf of four United States military veterans.

Ishwanzya Rivers, 46, also allegedly made false statements to the federal government to cover up her theft.

According to charging documents, Rivers stole more than $133,000 from one elderly, dying veteran who lived at the VA hospital in Cincinnati. Rivers allegedly misappropriated the victim’s money at least 45 times from June 2021 through November 2022.

It is also alleged that she stole smaller amounts of money from three other elderly or infirm veterans totaling more than $15,000.

Rivers allegedly used the money for shopping, restaurants and to travel to New Orleans, Montego Bay, Cancun, London, Panama, Zurich, Vienna and Maldives.

Misappropriating funds as a fiduciary and making false statements are federal crimes each punishable by up to five years in prison.

The case is being investigated by the Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General, Central Field Office. Special Assistant United States Attorney Timothy Landry is representing the United States in this case.

A criminal complaint merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

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