Rincon Woman Pleads Guilty to Fraudulently Claiming Deceased Veteran’s Benefits

Miranda Rachel Briggs, also known as “Miranda Rachel Fisher,” 34, of Rincon, Georgia, has pled guilty to Wire Fraud in connection with fraudulently claiming benefits intended for the surviving family of a deceased U.S. Army veteran, according to Jill E. Steinberg, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia.

Briggs faces a statutory penalty of up to 20 years in prison, substantial financial penalties, and restitution following the guilty plea.

The case stems from events beginning in November 2015 when Briggs married G.B., a U.S. Army veteran. Less than a year later, she filed for divorce. Two weeks after the divorce was finalized, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs removed Briggs as a recipient of G.B.’s benefits.

In January 2018, Briggs filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, certifying her divorce from G.B. However, after G.B.’s death in February 2018, Briggs falsely claimed to be his surviving spouse and filed for VA benefits. She later applied for additional benefits under the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs, again misrepresenting her marital status.

Briggs received approximately $129,000 in benefits, including $80,000 from the VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation Program and $49,000 for medical care. To support her claims, Briggs submitted fraudulent paperwork asserting that she and G.B. were married until his death.

In 2021, Briggs successfully petitioned to become the administrator of G.B.’s estate in Chatham County Probate Court, again claiming to be his surviving spouse. However, the court later removed her from this role in March 2023, citing her divorce from G.B. at the time of his death.

“This guilty plea holds the defendant accountable for defrauding vital VA programs that provides monetary benefits for survivors of service members and veterans,” said Special Agent in Charge David Spilker with the VA OIG Southeast Field Office. “The VA OIG will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to root out fraudulent activity and seek the prosecution of those who would compromise the integrity of VA’s programs and services.”

Briggs’ sentencing will be scheduled following the completion of a pre-sentence investigation by U.S. Probation Services.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Z. Spitulnik and Patricia G. Rhodes are prosecuting the case.