A former police officer on Virginia’s Eastern Shore has been sentenced to three years in federal prison for orchestrating a fraudulent inheritance scheme.
Jerry Kieth Brady Jr., 38, of Belle Haven, previously pleaded guilty to wire fraud and money laundering in Accomack County.
According to court documents, Brady — a former officer with the Eastville Police Department — convinced at least 13 people to loan him money for fees he claimed were tied to an inheritance or life insurance payout from a deceased relative. Prosecutors said the inheritance never existed.
Carolyn Fields, a supervisory special agent with IRS Criminal Investigation, said authorities uncovered the scam in 2024 before filing charges last year.
Investigators said Brady solicited loans from friends, colleagues, and acquaintances, claiming he needed funds for attorney fees, taxes, and other expenses to secure the supposed inheritance. In several cases, victims required written contracts or promissory notes. Prosecutors said Brady repeatedly told victims he would lose the inheritance without additional funds, prompting some to provide even more money.
Court records show Brady carried out 33 fraudulent transactions, defrauding victims of hundreds of thousands of dollars. Much of the money was reportedly spent on gambling, including casinos, online sports betting apps, and slot-style machines at convenience stores.
During sentencing, several victims — including Brady’s best man — testified that they trusted him because he was a police officer. Prosecutors said Brady sometimes communicated with victims while in uniform or seated in his patrol car.
Brady apologized in court to his family, the community, and his victims, stating he is receiving treatment for addiction and working to rebuild his life.
Prosecutors sought a 48-month sentence, while defense attorneys requested a sentence of one day. A judge ultimately imposed a 36-month prison term and ordered Brady to pay more than $747,000 in restitution.
Due to ongoing medical treatment, Brady is scheduled to self-surrender and begin serving his sentence on May 13.
