Local nonprofit founder faces federal charges for allegedly defrauding VA

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) – The founder of a local nonprofit focused on connecting service members with mental health resources is accused of defrauding the Department of Veterans Affairs for tens of thousands of dollars over a five-year period.

Miranda Briggs, of Fight the War Within, was named in a federal indictment handed down on July 10 accusing her of wire fraud and theft of government money, property or records.

According to the indictment, Briggs divorced her husband, a U.S. Army veteran, in August 2017 and she was removed from his VA award. He took his own life months later.

She allegedly applied for a number of benefits in 2018 claiming she was still married and ultimately received roughly $130,000 from the VA.

Meanwhile, WSAV was there in December 2022 when Briggs was gifted a house from a nonprofit that provides mortgage-free homes to veterans, first responders and their families.

Several neighbors News 3 spoke to were shocked at the news of Briggs’ indictment.

“Stolen valor, basically,” said Ryan Thomas, a neighbor. “That kind of strikes a nerve with anybody, any American. Someone is going to go lose their life with the ultimate sacrifice, and then their ex takes advantage of them with that situation, that’s kinda dark.”

“I really don’t have the words to say,” said another neighbor, a veteran. “It makes you think what type of person you’re living around, and can you trust them when you walk out the door? Like, what can they do to you?”

Briggs is scheduled for an initial appearance in Magistrate Court in Brunswick on July 26.

If convicted, she faces up to 20 years in prison and substantial financial penalties.