A New Jersey financial counselor with the U.S. Army and a major in the U.S. Army Reserves, known as Caz Craffy, has pleaded guilty to defrauding Gold Star families and related crimes. Craffy, 41, of Colts Neck, admitted to the charges before U.S. District Judge Georgette Castner in Trenton, New Jersey.
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland emphasized that those who exploit and defraud the families of fallen American servicemembers will face the consequences of their actions. U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger for the District of New Jersey highlighted Craffy's abuse of his position, stating that he preyed upon vulnerable families using deception.
Special Agent in Charge Joel Kirch from the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division Northeast Field Office affirmed that individuals who target the family members of deceased soldiers will be pursued and brought to justice. Principal Deputy Director James R. Ives of DCIS underscored the importance of treating families of fallen service members with compassion and respect.
FBI Newark Field Office's Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy acknowledged the sacrifices made by Gold Star families and condemned Craffy's exploitation of their grief for personal gain. Acting Special Agent in Charge William S. Walker of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Newark expressed that defrauding families, especially Gold Star families, adds further anguish to their already immense loss.
Craffy's fraudulent actions involved persuading Gold Star families to invest their survivor benefits in accounts managed by him privately, resulting in significant financial losses for the families while he earned substantial commissions. The sentencing for Craffy is scheduled for Aug. 21, where he faces the possibility of substantial prison time and fines for his crimes.
The investigation was conducted by the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division, DCIS, FBI, and HSI Newark, with additional support from the SEC and FINRA. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Martha K. Nye and Carolyn Silane are prosecuting the case in the District of New Jersey.