Source: Office of United States Attorneys
NEW ORLEANS – Former United States Army reservist DERRICK BRANCH was sentenced on January 25, 2024, after previously pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit theft of federal funds, to 2 years of probation, 50 hours of community service, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. Pursuant to the Mandatory Victim Restitution Act, Chief Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown ordered payment of $15,469.30 in restitution.
According to court records, BRANCH stole $15,469.30 from the United States Department of the Army by claiming reimbursement for the performance of military funeral honors ceremonies that never occurred.
The National Defense Authorization Act of 2000 authorizes military funeral honors for active-duty soldiers, retirees, and veterans. At a family’s request, eligible persons can receive military funeral honors, including the folding and presenting of the United States flag and the playing of “Taps.”
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Army Criminal Investigation Command, including Special Agents Dustin Stevens, John Hiniker, Jeffrey Riedeman, and Denny Richter. Assistant United States Attorney Andre J. Lagarde of the Public Integrity Unit is in charge of the prosecution.