The former spouse of a deceased U.S. Army veteran has been sentenced to prison for fraudulently claiming spousal benefits. Miranda Rachel Briggs, also known as "Miranda Rachel Fisher," was sentenced on June 2, 2025, by U.S. District Court Judge Lisa Godbey Wood in Savannah, Georgia. Briggs pled guilty to wire fraud earlier this year and received a two-month prison sentence. Additionally, she was ordered to pay over $129,000 in restitution to the Veterans Administration and will serve three years of supervised release following her imprisonment.
The fraudulent activities began when Briggs married G.B., a U.S. Army veteran, in November 2015. Less than a year later, they divorced, but Briggs continued to claim benefits as if she were still married to G.B., who passed away in January 2018. She filed for VA benefits and falsely claimed to be his surviving spouse.
Despite an initial denial from the VA, Briggs submitted further paperwork asserting her marriage until G.B.'s death, leading the VA to grant her benefits. She changed her name legally and attempted to become the administrator of G.B.'s estate by claiming widow status in court.
Briggs's actions resulted in receiving approximately $49,000 for medical care and about $80,000 from the VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation Program. Her fraudulent claims were eventually uncovered during a lawsuit against the United States seeking damages for G.B.'s death.
Acting U.S. Attorney Tara M. Lyons stated that programs designed for surviving family members are meant as a safety net for those entitled to them and emphasized accountability for those who misuse these benefits.
Special Agent David Spilker from the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General highlighted their commitment to eliminating fraud within VA benefit programs intended for veterans and their families.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patricia G. Rhodes and Michael Z. Spitulnik.
