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Written by K Bishop
Published September 25, 2022 @ 2:08 PM ET
Hart County – A woman who claimed to be a Purple Heart recipient and combat veteran claimed her daughter had cancer in an attempt to receive donations, pleaded guilty on Sept. 7 to charges from both Franklin and Hart counties
Gabrielle Ann Beutler forged military discharge paperwork to receive a Purple Heart license plate and veteran IDs in a scheme to be employed and promoted at the VFW. Beutler was the Post Commander of the local VFW 5897 in Levonia.
Beutler also led her young daughter to believe that she had cancer, shaved her head, and collected money from fundraisers meant for cancer treatments and support.
Jonathan Merck, a Levonia police officer, war veteran and also a member of the VFW, reported his suspicions about Beutler and triggered an investigation by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Merck noticed inconsistencies in Beutler’s military stories.
Beutler acted out a similar scheme in Las Vegas before moving to Georgia. According to Northern Circuit District Attorney Parks White, the damage Beutler caused to her child was a primary concern.
A Franklin County Superior Court judge sentenced Beutler to two years in prison and fifteen years of probation on September 7. She will be required to pay restitution.