Norman Man Sentenced to Serve 10 Months in Federal Prison for Falsely Claiming Dependents to Fraudulently Receive Nearly $27,000 in Veteran's Benefits

OKLAHOMA CITY – GORDON BELLAMY, Jr., 45, of Norman, has been sentenced to serve 10 months in federal prison for falsely claiming dependents to fraudulently receive nearly $27,000 in Veterans disability benefits to which he was not entitled, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

“Veterans disability benefits are intended to support injured patriots who make incredible sacrifices to defend our country,” said U.S. Attorney Troester. “Mr. Bellamy’s false claims are not only criminal, but offensive. We remain committed to vigorously investigate and prosecute those who defraud and steal the benefits honestly earned by our veterans.”

On March 19, 2024, a federal Grand Jury returned an 11-count Indictment against Bellamy, charging him with theft of public money, making a false statement, and nine counts of making a false representation of a Social Security number. According to public records, from March 1, 2020, through January 31, 2024, Bellamy willfully and knowingly received thousands of dollars’ worth of disability compensation through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), to which he was not entitled. The Indictment alleges that Bellamy submitted VA applications for disability benefits with a number of fraudulent dependents, causing his monthly disability award to be falsely inflated. In all, Bellamy fraudulently received $26,940.13 from the VA.

On August 19, 2024, Bellamy pleaded guilty to Count 2 of the Indictment and admitted he knowingly made a false statement to the VA by submitting an application for VA benefits on which he falsely claimed to be the biological father of a child that was not his.

At the sentencing hearing on June 27, 2025, U.S. District Judge Charles Goodwin sentenced Bellamy to serve ten months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Judge Goodwin also ordered Bellamy to pay $26,940.13 in restitution to the VA. In announcing his sentence, Judge Goodwin noted Bellamy’s history of financial crimes, including his second federal prosecution for conduct involving dishonesty. Public record reflects that Bellamy has a previous conviction for computer access fraud in the Western District of Oklahoma, case number CF-22-350, for which he was sentenced to serve 20 months in federal prison.

This case is the result of an investigation by the Department of Veterans Affairs – Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Danielle London prosecuted the case.

Reference is made to public filings for additional information.