Please E-mail suggested additions, comments and/or corrections to Kent@MoreLaw.Com.
Help support the publication of case reports on MoreLaw
United States of America v. Tiffany Ann Bright
Date: 02-13-2025
Case Number:
Judge: David Barlow
Court: The United States District Court for the District of Utah
Plaintiff's Attorney: The United States Attorney’s Office for Salt Lake City
Defendant's Attorney: Click Here For The Best Salt Lake City, Utah Criminal Defense Lawyer Directory
Description:
Utah Woman Sentenced for Stealing Veteran Disability Benefits
Tiffany Ann Bright, 39, of Washington, Utah, was sentenced to 36 months' probation, and ordered by the court to pay $150,000 in restitution after she stole unearned veteran disability benefits for years.
The sentence, imposed by U.S. District Court Judge David Barlow comes after Bright pleaded guilty to wire fraud and theft of government funds on October 29, 2024.
According to court documents, and statements made at Bright's change of plea and sentencing hearings, from December 2013 to April 2022, Ms. Bright unlawfully stole veteran disability benefits from a prior partner. In the summer of 2013, Bright helped the veteran set up an online benefits account to start receiving disability benefits, but later changed the direct deposit information to bank accounts wholly owned by her. Bright submitted fraudulent documentation to the U.S. government to increase the payments, and lied about her marital status to receive the veteran benefits. To carry out the scheme, the payments were transmitted via interstate wire from New Jersey to Bright's account in Utah.
In 2022, the veteran received a letter about his benefits, indicating changes had been made to his account. The veteran was unaware benefits were being paid still. He had assumed the benefits were being used to pay off his education debt.
United States Attorney Trina A. Higgins of the District of Utah made the announcement.
The case was investigated jointly by the Department of Veteran Affairs, Criminal Investigations Division, and the Washington City Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Luisa Gough of the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Utah prosecuted the case.
Salt Lake City, Utah criminal defense lawyer represented the Defendant charged with Stealing Veteran Disability Benefits
Utah Woman Sentenced for Stealing Veteran Disability Benefits
Tiffany Ann Bright, 39, of Washington, Utah, was sentenced to 36 months' probation, and ordered by the court to pay $150,000 in restitution after she stole unearned veteran disability benefits for years.
The sentence, imposed by U.S. District Court Judge David Barlow comes after Bright pleaded guilty to wire fraud and theft of government funds on October 29, 2024.
According to court documents, and statements made at Bright's change of plea and sentencing hearings, from December 2013 to April 2022, Ms. Bright unlawfully stole veteran disability benefits from a prior partner. In the summer of 2013, Bright helped the veteran set up an online benefits account to start receiving disability benefits, but later changed the direct deposit information to bank accounts wholly owned by her. Bright submitted fraudulent documentation to the U.S. government to increase the payments, and lied about her marital status to receive the veteran benefits. To carry out the scheme, the payments were transmitted via interstate wire from New Jersey to Bright's account in Utah.
In 2022, the veteran received a letter about his benefits, indicating changes had been made to his account. The veteran was unaware benefits were being paid still. He had assumed the benefits were being used to pay off his education debt.
United States Attorney Trina A. Higgins of the District of Utah made the announcement.
The case was investigated jointly by the Department of Veteran Affairs, Criminal Investigations Division, and the Washington City Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Luisa Gough of the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Utah prosecuted the case.
Outcome:
Plaintiff's Experts:
Defendant's Experts:
Comments:
About This Case
What was the outcome of United States of America v. Tiffany Ann Bright?
The outcome was:
Which court heard United States of America v. Tiffany Ann Bright?
This case was heard in The United States District Court for the District of Utah, UT. The presiding judge was David Barlow.
Who were the attorneys in United States of America v. Tiffany Ann Bright?
Plaintiff's attorney: The United States Attorney’s Office for Salt Lake City. Defendant's attorney: Click Here For The Best Salt Lake City, Utah Criminal Defense Lawyer Directory.
When was United States of America v. Tiffany Ann Bright decided?
This case was decided on February 13, 2025.