\n Posted on: August 28, 2025, 06:49h.\u00a0\n <\/p>\n
\n Last updated on: August 28, 2025, 06:49h.\n <\/p>\n
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- Officer allegedly scammed acquaintances through false inheritance claims<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Federal indictment cites wire fraud, laundering, and gambling addiction<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Eastville police face scrutiny amid fraud scandal and community fallout<\/strong>
\nA smalltown Virginia police officer has been indicted by a federal grand jury over allegations that he bilked acquaintances out of more than $819K over four years to bankroll a prodigious gambling habit.<\/p>\n
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Eastville police officer Jerry Keith Brady Jr. faces federal charges of wire fraud and money laundering. Prosecutors say he deceived friends with false inheritance claims to borrow more than $819,000. (Image: Shutterstock)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n Eastville cop Jerry Keith Brady Jr., 38, of Belle Haven, faces 12 counts of wire fraud and two counts of money laundering after the unsealing of an indictment in Norfolk federal court on August 21.<\/p>\n
Prosecutors are also seeking forfeiture of at least $819,250, which they allege represents the proceeds of crime.<\/strong><\/p>\n
In total, the indictment cites at least a dozen victims, identified only by their initials. The government alleges Brady used his position as a police officer to build credibility with people he later defrauded.<\/p>\n
No Inheritance<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Brady repeatedly told friends and acquaintances that he was on the brink of a large inheritance or life insurance payout from a deceased relative, according to the indictment.<\/p>\n
He allegedly claimed he needed loans, sometimes tens of thousands of dollars at a time, to cover attorney\u2019s fees or other costs before he could access the funds.<\/p>\n
One victim allegedly gave him more than $80,000 in a single transaction. Another handed over nearly $85,000. In some cases, the indictment notes, Brady signed repayment agreements, but little to nothing ever came back.<\/p>\n
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There was never any inheritance or life insurance, nor were there any fees related to such inheritance or life insurance that Brady needed to pay,\u201d prosecutors wrote in the indictment.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Brady allegedly signed written agreements to repay some lenders, but in most cases failed to do so. Federal investigators say he funneled the money into gambling.<\/p>\n
Two of the money laundering counts relate to checks Brady allegedly wrote back to victims \u2013 $18,000 in one case and $13,000 in another. Prosecutors argue these were just recycled from the borrowed funds.<\/p>\n
Smalltown Controversy<\/strong><\/h2>\n
The indictment and arrest have intensified scrutiny of Eastville\u2019s police department, which was already under fire for aggressive traffic enforcement.<\/p>\n
Earlier this year, reporting by WTKR revealed officers issued up to 400 speeding tickets per month in summer and 200\u2013250 in winter, unusually high for a town of just 200 residents.<\/p>\n
Town leaders denied it was \u201cpolicing for profit,\u201d insisting citations targeted only motorists exceeding 70 mph in a 55-mph zone<\/p>\n
\nEastville officials confirmed Brady was taken into custody on Aug. 25, 2025, and placed on administrative leave. They stressed the case was \u201ca personal matter\u201d unrelated to his police work or other employees.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Brady is scheduled to appear in court on September 3, 2025. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison for each wire fraud count and 10 years for each money laundering count, along with possible restitution and forfeiture of assets.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
- Federal indictment cites wire fraud, laundering, and gambling addiction<\/strong><\/li>\n