Houston lawyer, wife accused of stealing from vets

[unhappycamper]

Houston lawyer, wife accused of stealing from vets
By LISE OLSEN Houston Chronicle © 2010 The Associated Press
Nov. 8, 2010, 11:28AM

HOUSTON — When Shirley German couldn't get her son's guardian — an attorney handpicked by the Department of Veterans Affairs — to fork over $250 for Thanksgiving dinner for the disabled U.S. Marine and his family, she sensed something askew.

Her son, after all, had more than $200,000 in veteran's benefits saved in accounts the guardian controlled.

That man, Joe B. Phillips, a 71-year-old Houston lawyer and former VA employee, now stands accused of stealing more than $2 million from at least 28 Texas veterans and hiding those thefts with faked bank statements, padded expenses and even imaginary accounts verified with forged signatures, according to dozens of civil suits and a 2010 federal court indictment.

His 70-year-old wife and legal assistant, Dorothy Phillips, faces identical charges.

The fraud appears to be the largest ever detected in the VA's enormous guardianship program.

[yellerpup]

1. This issue needs follow-up and more follow-up.

If it's that easy to do these yahoos can't be the only guardians doing it. :kick: & Rec.

[malaise]

2. Support the troops

and steal their money! USA!! USA!!

[Frustratedlady]

3. I'll bet he's a flag-wavin' Repug who supports the troops. eom