PORTLAND, Ore. — A 61-year-old woman from Dayton has been sentenced to more than two years in federal prison after embezzling over $1.7 million from the Department of Oregon Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW).
Abuse of Position
Federal prosecutors said Cheryl Elizabeth Campos exploited her role as Quartermaster of the Oregon VFW to access the organization’s bank accounts. Between January 2022 and June 2024, Campos funneled large sums of money into her personal accounts while covering her tracks through falsified financial documents, bank statements, and accounting records.
Her scheme ultimately drained more than $1.7 million from the VFW, an organization dedicated to supporting veterans and their families.
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Extravagant Purchases
Court records revealed that Campos spent the stolen money on personal luxuries and indulgences. Among the purchases were hundreds of statues, semi-precious stones, crystals, and marbles. She also used the funds to pay personal credit card bills and even bought a vehicle for a family member.
Prosecutors argued that the spending spree reflected not only a breach of trust but also a blatant disregard for the needs of Oregon veterans the organization serves.
Federal Charges and Guilty Plea
Campos was formally charged with wire fraud on March 24, 2025. Just weeks later, on April 15, she pleaded guilty to the charge.
On sentencing, the court handed down a 25-month prison term, followed by three years of supervised release. In addition, Campos faces restitution requirements to address the financial harm caused to the VFW.
Investigation and Prosecution
The case was investigated jointly by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert S. Trisotto prosecuted the case on behalf of the District of Oregon.
Authorities emphasized that Campos’ actions represented a profound betrayal of trust, exploiting her position in an organization devoted to those who have served the nation.
A Costly Breach of Trust
The sentencing marks the end of one of the largest embezzlement cases involving a veterans’ service organization in Oregon. Prosecutors noted that Campos’ deception diverted resources away from programs designed to support veterans and their families.
For many in the veterans’ community, the case has raised concerns about oversight and accountability within nonprofit organizations that rely heavily on trust and volunteer leadership.
