TRENTON, N.J. — A former U.S. Army financial counselor and U.S. Army Reserve major was sentenced to 151 months in prison on Thursday for defrauding Gold Star families and committing related crimes, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced. Caz Craffy, also known as “Carz Craffey,” 42, of Colts Neck, New Jersey, had pleaded guilty on April 16, 2024, to charges including wire fraud, securities fraud, and making false statements.
Craffy admitted to exploiting his position as an Army financial counselor to deceive families of fallen service members between 2018 and 2021. Using his access to these families during their most vulnerable moments, Craffy defrauded them out of funds meant to provide financial security after the loss of their loved ones. His actions included convincing the families to invest in fraudulent schemes, often under the guise of securing their financial future, while diverting the funds for his personal use.
“Caz Craffy was sentenced to prison today for brazenly taking advantage of his role as an Army financial counselor to prey upon families of our fallen service members, at their most vulnerable moment, when they were dealing with a tragedy born out of their loved one’s patriotism,” U.S. Attorney Sellinger said. “These Gold Star families have laid the dearest sacrifice on the altar of freedom. And they deserve our utmost respect and compassion, as well as some small measure of financial security from a grateful nation. No amount of money can undo their enormous loss. Instead of offering guidance, Caz Craffy chose to defraud these heroic families. The lengthy term of imprisonment imposed today is just punishment for this heinous and shameless crime.”
Craffy was charged with six counts of wire fraud, as well as one count each of securities fraud, making false statements in a loan application, committing acts affecting a personal financial interest, and making false statements to a federal agency. The sentence was handed down by U.S. District Judge Georgette Castner in Trenton federal court.
“Those who prey on the family members of fallen soldiers will be sought out and held accountable,” said Joel Kirch, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division, Northeast Field Office. He emphasized the importance of the collaborative efforts between various agencies that led to Craffy’s conviction.
“This outcome underscores DCIS and our law enforcement allies’ unwavering dedication to ensuring that those who exploit their official roles to prey on mourning military families are held accountable,” said James R. Ives, Principal Deputy Director of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS).
FBI Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy condemned Craffy’s actions as “heartless and despicable,” noting that the funds stolen were intended to help ease the financial burdens of the survivors of fallen service members. Homeland Security Investigations Newark Acting Special Agent in Charge William S. Walker also highlighted the successful collaboration among agencies that led to the resolution of this case, ensuring that justice was served for the defrauded families.
Craffy’s sentencing marks the culmination of a multi-agency investigation involving the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division.
