A Jacksonville woman has been charged by federal indictment with theft of government money or property and making a false statement to a federal agency, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Florida said.

Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Middle District of Florida

Gail Starks, 63, of Jacksonville, faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison if convicted on all counts. The indictment also seeks forfeiture of $397,120 — yaani about $0.4 million — which prosecutors describe as the proceeds of the alleged theft. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announced the charges.

$397,120Forfeiture sought by prosecutors
35 yearsPeriod of alleged theft, 1991 to 2026
15 yearsMaximum penalty if convicted on all counts

According to the indictment, from June 1991 and continuing through August 2026, Starks allegedly stole Dependency and Indemnity Compensation benefits for spousal support from the Department of Veterans Affairs. DIC is a monthly payment the VA makes to surviving spouses, local reporting explained.

Source: Here Jacksonville

Prosecutors allege that on August 11, 2026, when her eligibility was under investigation, Starks told a VA employee that she was not married, when in fact she was married. The case was investigated by the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jackson M. Story.

An indictment is merely a formal charge, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty, the Justice Department said.