Two Florida residents have been sentenced to federal prison for their roles in a scheme to defraud military retail exchanges, according to an announcement from Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs of the Eastern District of Texas.
Gilda Rosenberg, 60, of Golden Beach, Florida, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and received a 30-month sentence in federal prison. She was also ordered by U.S. District Judge Amos L. Mazzant on July 30, 2025, to pay more than $1.6 million in restitution. Amit Biegun, 46, of Aventura, Florida, was sentenced by Judge Mazzant on June 24, 2025, also receiving a 30-month prison term.
Court records show that Rosenberg served as president and owner of Gilly USA, Inc., GBR Enterprises, Inc., and Gilly Vending, Inc., while Biegun was the chief financial officer at Gilly Vending.
The Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES), part of the Department of Defense (DoD), operates Post Exchanges (PX) on Army bases and Base Exchanges (BX) on Air Force bases across the United States. These stores provide goods and services to service members and their families and are self-funded through sales revenue.
Beginning in 2016, AAFES awarded over 20 contracts to Gilly Vending for vending services at military installations in several states including California, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, North Dakota, Oklahoma, and Texas. The contracts generated annual revenues ranging from $24,000 to $1 million per location. Under these agreements, Gilly Vending was required to pay commissions based on reported sales figures.
Prosecutors said Rosenberg and Biegun conspired to underreport sales figures significantly on these contracts. This led to reduced commission payments owed to AAFES.
“The Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) is an integral part of the Department of Defense, providing vital services to our military service members, veterans, and their families,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs. “By stealing from AAFES, the defendants have stolen from the United States taxpayer and those who served their country with honor and distinction. This sentence sends a strong message that this kind of fraud and abuse will not be tolerated.”
“The Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) and our law enforcement partners will methodically investigate allegations of fraud and corruption that impact the DoD and America’s warfighters,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Chad Gosch with DCIS Southwest Field Office. “Today’s outcome reflects our unwavering commitment to ensuring the integrity of the DoD contracting process and holding accountable those who illegally enrich themselves at the taxpayer’s expense.”
“Today’s sentencing should serve as a stark reminder that our agents, and those of our partner law enforcement agencies, are relentless in their pursuit of those who choose to defraud the government,” said Special Agent in Charge John McCabe from the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division’s Mid-Central Field Office. “Army CID remains committed to protecting the resources that support our service members and their families.”
“The Department of the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (OSI) is undeterred from hunting down fraud impacting the goods and services supporting our military community worldwide” said Special Agent in Charge Nicholas J. Groesbeck with OSI Procurement Fraud Detachment 3 in San Antonio. “We appreciate the efforts of our joint partners who ensure those violating the law are held accountable.”
The investigation involved multiple agencies: Department of Defense; Defense Criminal Investigative Services; Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division; U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations; as well as Army Air Force Exchange Services – Office of General Counsel. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. Johnson prosecuted this case.
