Ferriday man, Natchez woman plead guilty to stealing Veterans Affairs benefits

ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a former Concordia Parish couple pleaded guilty Friday to their roles in a scheme to steal Veterans Affairs benefits over a 10-year period.

Alfred Lewis Jr., 67, of Ferriday, La., and Rose M. Lewis, 63, of Natchez, Miss., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell. Alfred Lewis pleaded guilty to one count of theft of government property or funds, and Rose Lewis pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit theft of government property or funds. According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, from July of 2003 until November of 2013, the defendants conspired to steal $197,784 in Veterans Affairs benefits. Alfred Lewis served in the U.S. Air Force and applied for veterans benefits in July of 2003. He and Rose Lewis did not disclose to Veterans Affairs that Rose Lewis had been working while living with Alfred Lewis during the 10-year period he received benefits. In written statements of their income sent to Veterans Affairs, they denied they were working when in fact Rose Lewis was earning more than $50,000 a year in Mississippi.

Alfred Lewis faces up to 10 years in prison for the theft count, Rose Lewis faces up to five years in prison for the conspiracy count. They also face three years supervised release, a $250,000 fine and restitution. A sentencing date of November 23, 2015 was set.

Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General, conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cytheria D. Jernigan is prosecuting the case.