District attorney to dismiss VA theft suit after defendant’s death

After announcing yesterday the indictment of a Springfield woman for allegedly embezzling from federal benefits designated for disabled veterans, the U.S. attorney for the Western District of Missouri plans to dismiss the action after learning of the defendant’s death.

Beverly Sue Wright, who was charged yesterday in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Springfield, died Jan. 15 at age 64, according to an obituary posted at GreenawnFuneralHome.com.

“After we obtain a death certificate, we will file a motion with the court to dismiss the indictment,” said Don Ledford, spokesman for Western District Attorney Tammy Dickinson.

According to the indictment, Wright allegedly embezzled $280,228 while acting as a federal fiduciary for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. In that position, she served as legal custodian for veterans deemed to be incompetent to handle their own financial responsibilities. She also held joint bank accounts, wrote checks for debts and bills, created budgets and was accountable for the finances of veterans, according to a news release.

The complaint alleged that between September 2009 and November 2012, Wright stole funds administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs.