A Fort Myers resident, Laurie Ann Roszelle, has been sentenced to one year and one day in federal prison for wire fraud. The sentence was handed down by U.S. District Judge Thomas Barber. In addition to the prison term, the court issued a forfeiture order amounting to $338,364.66, equivalent to the fraud proceeds. Roszelle had entered a guilty plea on December 5, 2024.

Court documents reveal that after her mother's death in 2005, Roszelle began unlawfully collecting Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) survivor's benefits intended for her mother. She forged her mother's signature on several documents sent to the VA to maintain the benefit payments. In 2024, when the VA discovered her mother's passing and ceased the benefits, Roszelle contacted them claiming her mother was still alive and requested that the payments resume. On another occasion, she impersonated her mother's voice during a call with the VA.

When agents from the VA Office of Inspector General visited Roszelle's home, she falsely stated that her mother lived with her and concocted stories about her mother receiving regular medical care and being in good health. Over nearly two decades, Roszelle wrongfully acquired $338,364.66 through this scheme.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin S. Winter.