Army Reservist Pleads Guilty in Federal Court in Louisiana to Fraudulently Claiming Reimbursements for Performance of Funeral Honors

Louisiana – An Army reservist has pleaded guilty in a federal court in Louisiana to fraudulently claiming reimbursements for the performance of funeral honors.

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced on Friday, March 3, 2023, that Army reservist Chantelle Davis has pled guilty to conspiracy to commit theft of government funds, having stolen $8,399.65 from the United States Department of the Army by claiming reimbursement for the performance of military funeral honors ceremonies that never happened.

Military funeral honors are authorized under the National Defense Authorization Act of 2000 for active-duty personnel, retirees, and veterans. At the request of a family, eligible individuals can receive military funeral honors, such as the folding and presentation of the United States flag and the playing of “Taps.”

By pleading guilty to conspiracy to steal government funds, Davis risks a maximum punishment of five (5) years in prison, followed by up to three (3) years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and a mandatory $100 special assessment charge under Title 18, United States Code, Section 371. Davis has reimbursed the Army Department for the $8,399.65 in misappropriated cash.

U.S. Attorney Evans applauded the work of Special Agents Dustin Stevens, John Hiniker, Jeffrey Riedeman, and Denny Richter of the United States Army Criminal Investigation Command. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Andre J. Lagarde of the Public Integrity Unit.