Founder of veterans' group, defrauded VA and is convicted felon

Veteran's group founder defrauded V.A. of $178,000
PHILLY.COM
Sam Wood
Friday, February 28, 2014

A Philadelphia man who claimed to be the founder of the non-profit Veterans Support Group of America, was sentenced to 30 months in prison this week for defrauding the Department of Veterans Affairs out of $178,000 in healthcare and pension benefits.

Richard Gordon, 65, pretended to be his brother, “H.G.” who had served a tour of duty in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam war. He assumed H.G.’s identity in 2004 because he was a fugitive from justice after being convicted of a felony in New Jersey.

Richard Gordon, would have qualified for VA benefits, because had spent one year in the U.S. Marines but had been discharged after claiming a family hardship. But fugitives are prohibited from receiving V.A. benefits, according to court papers.
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