Dayton Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Defrauding Veterans Organization

PORTLAND, Ore.- A Dayton, Oregon, woman was sentenced today for defrauding the Department of Oregon Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW).

Cheryl Elizabeth Campos, 62, was sentenced to 25 months in federal prison and 3 years of supervised release.

According to court documents, between January 2022 and June 2024, Campos misused her position as Quartermaster of the VFW to access the VFW's bank accounts and embezzled large sums of money to her personal accounts. To conceal the embezzlement, Campos falsified financial documents, bank statements, and accounting records.

In total, Campos embezzled more than $1.7 million from the VFW's accounts to her personal accounts. Campos used the funds to buy hundreds of crystals, semi-precious rocks, marbles, stones, and statues. She also used the funds for personal expenses, including making credit card payments and purchasing a vehicle for a family member.

On March 24, 2025, Campos was charged by criminal information with wire fraud.

On April 15, 2025, Campos pleaded guilty to wire fraud.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Yamhill County Sheriff's Office. It was prosecuted by Robert S. Trisotto, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.