Couple that ran wounded Marine charity convicted of fraud. What do you think of individuals who take advantage of Veterans?

2015-07-13T14:19:38-04:00

SAN DIEGO — A couple that ran a tax-exempt school to train wounded Marines for jobs in the movie industry were convicted Friday of conspiracy, fraud and theft.

The U.S. attorney's office said that from 2007 to 2009, the Brunswick, Ga., couple ran the Wounded Marine Careers Foundation in San Diego. The school charged up to $88,000 for a 10-week course.

Graduates were supposed to receive a union card with the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees.
The Department of Veterans Affairs provided $1.2 million in vocational rehabilitation funding for dozens of wounded Marine veterans to take the classes. Authorities say some of the promised equipment and training wasn't provided, and some of the money was diverted to the couple's personal use, including fancy meals, a Bermuda vacation and a sailing trip around San Diego Bay.

"These defendants capitalized on the misfortune of wounded Marines in their time of vulnerability and took advantage of the VA's commitment to serving wounded veterans to defraud the VA and enrich themselves," U.S. Attorney Laura Duffy said in a statement.
In addition, Paixao was convicted of defrauding another charity, the Bob Woodruff Foundation, of about $100,000 by concealing the fact that a wounded Marine who was the intended recipient had left the program.

Defense lawyers argued that Lombard, a cinematographer, and his wife had good intentions and contributed $200,000 of their own money to start the project.

Three wounded veterans testified at the couple's trial.

Response by SCPO David Lockwood made Jul 13 at 2015 2:25 PM

2015-07-13T14:25:44-04:00

Good! I hope they get what they deserve!

Response by 1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 13 at 2015 2:25 PM

2015-07-13T14:25:55-04:00

Rightfully earned conviction.

Response by SSG Keith Cashion made Jul 13 at 2015 2:39 PM

2015-07-13T14:39:17-04:00

Someone is always out to make a buck on someone elses misfortune. Let's hope it is a lengthy stay in prison.

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Jul 13 at 2015 2:53 PM

2015-07-13T14:53:03-04:00

GOOD NEWS/BAD NEWS HERE
I am thrilled to see fraudulant dirtbags caught up and busted (that's the good news).
Unfortunately the legit organizations pay by those that contribute for our wounded Veterans start to tighten their wallets.
Overall, I am glad to see these jackwagons found out and identified.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 13 at 2015 3:05 PM

2015-07-13T15:05:56-04:00

<smh> This is but 1 that we know of...

Response by PFC Terry Kuehner made Jul 13 at 2015 4:04 PM

2015-07-13T16:04:03-04:00

I personally think they should hang their asses in public to show what should happen to those that try this

Response by Cpl Jerome Roseborough made Jul 13 at 2015 7:50 PM

2015-07-13T19:50:06-04:00

I have no compassion for these scum!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 13 at 2015 8:04 PM

2015-07-13T20:04:38-04:00

Here are the scumbags pictures.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 14 at 2015 11:09 AM

2015-07-14T11:09:45-04:00

Response by SGT Michael Auw made Sep 24 at 2020 8:37 PM

2020-09-24T20:37:51-04:00

TRUMP AND IS FAMILY DID

Response by CW4 Andrew Carson made Sep 25 at 2020 6:53 PM

2020-09-25T18:53:24-04:00

I hope these scum fry for this.

Response by SFC Walter Coleman made Dec 12 at 2020 6:08 PM

2020-12-12T18:08:52-05:00

Set them on fire!