(The Center Square) – A former VFW post officer will have to repay more than $35,000 he stole from the post but will not spend any time in jail.
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost said Guy Andonian, the former quartermaster for VFW Post 4044 in Union County, pleaded guilty to telecommunications fraud. He will pay back $35,007 and serve five years of community control.
He is also barred from serving as a financial power of attorney or in any fiduciary capacity.
“Today is a win for veterans and anyone else who relies on the integrity of Ohio charities,” Yost said. “We remain committed to serving those who serve, and this case sends a clear message: Those who exploit veterans for personal gain will face the full consequences of their actions.”
Andonian’s indictment claimed he engaged in a check-writing scheme and siphoned more than $35,000 from the post’s charitable accounts between October 2017 and September 2019.
Yost said investigators found checks with notes in the memo line, such as “help veterans in need,” were being written from charitable accounts to be cashed by co-conspirators in Union County.
The investigation is ongoing.
Union County Prosecutor Dave Phillips appointed Yost’s office to the case.
