A Rhode Island lady who lied about being an injured Marine Corps veteran recognized with most cancers was sentenced to just about six years in jail and ordered to pay again full restitution on Tuesday.
Sarah Jane Cavanaugh, 32, collected greater than $250,000 in charitable contributions, veteran advantages, and donations throughout her stolen valor run.
“Right now’s sentencing sends a powerful message to those that would symbolize themselves as one thing they’re not in an effort to revenue from the kindness and respect proven to our nation’s deserving veterans,” Particular Agent in Cost Christopher Algieri of the Division of Veterans Affairs Workplace of Inspector Normal’s Northeast Area Workplace stated in an announcement.
The fraudster, whose stolen valor stint lasted over 5 years, acquired Marine Corps service uniforms to put on to public occasions and speeches whereas displaying a Purple Coronary heart and Bronze Star with a “V” system for valor in fight on her chest.
Cavanaugh claimed she served in Iraq and Afghanistan from 2009 till 2016 and had been wounded by an IED (improvised explosive system) whereas serving in Iraq.
She claimed burn pits and inhaling particulate matter from an explosive brought about her lung most cancers.
9 veterans’ charities dished out funds to Cavanaugh, which she used to pay for bodily remedy, in-home care, retreats, fitness center membership and electrical payments, and even present playing cards for groceries and different necessities.
Cavanaugh acquired $207,000 from the Wounded Warriors Venture between 2017 and 2021, in line with the Division of Veterans Affairs inspector common’s workplace.
In an influence assertion submitted to the courtroom, a veteran that Cavanaugh met by means of the Wounded Warrior Venture slammed the scammer, saying she took a therapeutic veterans artwork program that would have been utilized by a veteran in want of care.
The unidentified veteran revealed {that a} pal — who was additionally a veteran — utilized for the spot however was denied and finally took their very own life, the courtroom doc reveals.
Cavanaugh raised $4,700 whereas fundraising funds to assist pay for medical payments attributable to the fabricated harm.
Cavanaugh pleaded responsible to aggravated identification theft, cast army discharge certificates, fraudulent use of army medals, and 4 counts of wire fraud in July 2022.
“By openly laying declare to the distinction, service, and sacrifice of actual veterans, this defendant preyed on the charity and decency of others for her personal shameless monetary acquire,” US Legal professional Zachary A. Cunha stated in an announcement.
Suspicion of her false identification didn’t come up till early 2022.
The HunterSeven Basis — a veteran-based charitable group — carried out a background verify into her army service after she utilized for funds and found she was a social employee for the Veterans Affairs Medical Heart in Windfall.
Cavanaugh’s lawyer, Kensley Barrett, had sought a decrease sentence, citing her lack of felony historical past and the “vital value” she has paid by means of humiliation.
She initially confronted a most sentence of 24 years earlier than her plea settlement.
