A former police officer from Belle Haven was sentenced to three years in prison for wire fraud and money laundering related to an inheritance scam, according to a statement released by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia.
Court documents show that Jerry Keith Brady Jr., 38, previously with the Eastville Police Department, persuaded at least 13 individuals to lend him money under the pretense that he needed funds to cover attorney fees, taxes, or other costs required to access a supposed inheritance or life insurance payout from a deceased relative. The victims included friends, acquaintances, and colleagues.
Some of those targeted by Brady had him sign contracts or promissory notes agreeing to repay the loans. When repayment deadlines passed without payment, Brady told his victims that he would lose his inheritance unless they provided more money. Many complied and gave additional funds. In total, Brady obtained hundreds of thousands of dollars through 33 transactions.
Most of the money was spent gambling at casinos, on online sports betting apps, and on slot-style machines in convenience stores.
The IRS Criminal Investigation Washington D.C. Field Office conducted the investigation into the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph L. Kosky prosecuted Brady.
A copy of this press release is available on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Additional court documents can be found on the District Court website or through PACER by searching Case No. 2:25-cr-101.
