(WNY News Now) – New York – A New York woman faces charges of defrauding military charities, stealing government funds, and falsely claiming to be a Purple Heart recipient, as announced by U.S. Attorney Damian Williams and FBI Assistant Director James Smith.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams and FBI Assistant Director James Smith disclosed the unsealing of an indictment against Sharon Toney-Finch, a resident of Newburgh, New York. Toney-Finch stands accused of orchestrating a complex scheme to deceive donors and government agencies, falsely representing herself as a military veteran and Purple Heart recipient while allegedly embezzling funds intended for charitable causes.
Williams condemned Toney-Finch’s alleged actions, stating, “As alleged, Sharon Toney-Finch falsely claimed to have received a military award bestowed on those wounded or killed in the line of duty, and she used this lie to drive donations to her charitable organization, which in fact was a ruse the defendant allegedly used to line her own pockets.” He expressed gratitude to law enforcement agencies for exposing Toney-Finch’s purported attempt to exploit the concept of “stolen valor” for personal gain.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “As alleged, Sharon Toney-Finch falsely claimed to have received a military award bestowed on those wounded or killed in the line of duty, and she used this lie to drive donations to her charitable organization, which in fact was a ruse the defendant allegedly used to line her own pockets. The defendant’s alleged crimes are dishonorable to the highest degree, and I thank the career prosecutors of this Office and our law enforcement partners for bringing today’s charges and exposing Toney-Finch’s attempt to profit on stolen valor.”
Smith echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the gravity of Toney-Finch’s actions: “Acts of stolen valor are especially egregious as they distract from sacrifices of those who were truly injured defending our nation.” He reaffirmed the FBI’s commitment to vigorously investigate fraudulent schemes targeting military institutions and veterans.
According to court documents, Toney-Finch allegedly operated her fraudulent activities over several years. Between July 2019 and September 2023, she purportedly misled donors by falsely assuring them that their contributions would benefit homeless military veterans, while diverting funds for personal expenses. Additionally, she allegedly fabricated a narrative of surviving a terrorist attack in Iraq and falsely claimed to have received a Purple Heart, a military decoration awarded to those wounded or killed in action.
Moreover, Toney-Finch is accused of fraudulently obtaining hundreds of thousands of dollars in disability benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) by misrepresenting injuries sustained during her supposed military service. She allegedly altered military discharge paperwork to falsely indicate receipt of the Purple Heart, further exploiting her fabricated military record for personal gain.
The indictment lists multiple charges against Toney-Finch, including wire fraud, theft of government funds, stolen valor, and altering military discharge paperwork. If convicted, she could face significant prison sentences.
Authorities credited the FBI Hudson Valley White Collar Crime Task Force, the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs – Office of Inspector General, and the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division for their collaborative efforts in uncovering the alleged fraud.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ryan W. Allison and Margaret N. Vasu will lead the prosecution of this case, which falls under the jurisdiction of the White Plains Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
It’s essential to note that the charges against Toney-Finch are accusations, and she is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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