United States of America v. Monica L. Thompson

Tulsa, Oklahoma, criminal defense lawyer represented the Defendant charged with two counts of Aggravated Identity Theft.

8 USC 1028A(a)(1): Aggravated Identity Theft; Forfeiture Allegation: 18 USC 981(a)(1)(C), 982(a)(2), and 1028(b), and 28 USC 2461: Fraud Forfeiture

18 USC 1028A(a)(1): Aggravated Identity Theft; Forfeiture Allegation: 18 USC 981(a)(1)(C), 982(a)(2), and 1028(b), and 28 USC 2461: Fraud Forfeiture

Monica J. Thompson, 40, was accused to stealing the identity of a disabled vert.

“Taking advantage of a veteran that served our country will never be tolerated in the Northern District of Oklahoma,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “Thompson not only engaged in identity theft but also took advantage of a vulnerable disabled veteran for her own benefit.”

“This sentence sends a clear message that those who would exploit veterans will be held accountable,” said Special Agent in Charge Kris Raper with the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General’s South-Central Field Office. “The VA OIG is grateful to the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners for their efforts to achieve justice in this case.”

According to court documents, Thompson conspired with her boyfriend to defraud an elderly disabled veteran by arranging a sham marriage. After getting married to the victim, Thompson submitted false applications to the Veterans Administration (VA) to control the victim’s disability payments. Even though the victim was entitled to disability payments, he ended up being housed in an RV without food. Shortly after, the victim attempted suicide and was hospitalized. While the victim was on suicide watch, Thompson kept submitting false documents to the VA. A nurse overheard the victim providing Thompson with banking information and reported it to the authorities.

Thompson was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons at a later date.

The Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Greenough prosecuted the case.

If you suspect fraudulent conduct involving an older adult, don't hesitate to contact the National Elder Fraud Hotline
at 1-833-FRAUD-11 or find additional resources for older adults in Oklahoma.

The Defendant was found guilty and was sentenced to 48 months in prison, followed by one year of supervised release. Judge Frizzell further ordered Thompson to pay $29,440.39 in restitution.