Man accused of fraudulently obtaining VA benefits

COVINGTON, La. — A Mandeville man has been indicted in connection with a scheme to fraudulently obtain benefits from the federal Department of Veterans Affairs.

According to a news release from U.S. Attorney Kenneth Polite's office, 53-year-old Ricky P. Templet was indicted Thursday on theft of government funds and aggravated identity theft charges.

The VA Office of Inspector General opened an investigation after learning about the case.

Investigators determined that Templet had become his mother's fiduciary the day before she died in 2013. Templet received and deposited 16 U.S. Treasury checks totaling approximately $26,441 after his mother died. Templet was required to notify the VA of his mother's passing, but he did not.

He was booked at St. Tammany Parish jail. It's unclear if he has an attorney.

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