Oklahoma Woman Sentenced for Embezzling Insurance Proceeds

January 19, 2010

A federal judge has sentenced a Harrah, Okla., woman to three years in prison for embezzling military life insurance proceeds meant for her son.

U.S. District Judge Stephen Friot also ordered Trisha Fish to pay more than $362,000 in restitution.

According to court records, Army Spc. Jeffrey Henthorn and Fish divorced in 2000. Before Henthorn’s death in Iraq in February 2005, he designated their son as the beneficiary of the policy.

In March 2005, Fish petitioned for guardianship and temporary custody of the child in tribal court, asking that a trust be established for the nearly $450,000 in benefits.

Prosecutors say in that role, she misspent the money on things like a car, land and jewelry.

Fish’s attorney couldn’t be reached for comment.