After allegations of defrauding US government of almost $500K, Metro Detroit woman to stand trial

(Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

By Ashanti Lee Seabron

(WAYNE COUNTY, Mich.) After allegedly defrauding both the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the Michigan Department of Treasury out of almost $500,000, 60-year-old Sophia Quill will stand trial at the Wayne County Circuit Court.

In a statement Thursday, Michigan Attorney General Dana said that Quill waived her preliminary exam in 18th District Court in Westland, Michigan, per The Detroit News.

As a result of waiving the preliminary exam, Quill's case will now move to a trial, which is welcome news to Nessel.

"I am glad to see this case move to trial," Nessel said. "My office will not stand for attempts to take advantage of the agencies that offer benefits to the public, especially to our brave service members and their families. There must be accountability."

Quill is one of three suspects accused of defrauding the VA department of more than $430,000, and the Michigan Department of Treasury out of $40,000 between 2013 and 2019.

She, alongside her own son Steven Decker and Melissa Flores, created aliases and fake documents to falsely project themselves as the heirs of various deceased individuals. Allegedly, Decker received the scheme's proceeds and used some of the money to conceal property utilized in carrying out the scam.

Both Decker and Flores were arraigned last year.

The charges against Quill are as follows:

• Conducting a criminal enterprise, a felony punishable by up to 20 years imprisonment
• Four counts of obtaining $50,000 to $100,000 using a false pretense, each a 15-year felony
• Two counts of obtaining $20,000 to $50,000 using a false pretense, each a 15-year felony
• Two counts of obtaining $1,000 to $20,000 using a false pretense, each a 5-year felony
• Being a fourth habitual offender

According to Nessel, Quill's charge as a fourth habitual offender means that she would face a maximum term of life in prison if she's convicted of any of the charges.

Quill's arraignment in Wayne County Circuit Court is set for July 2.

The entire MAG press release regarding Quill's arraignment can be read on Michigan.gov's website.

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