Virginia Cop Defrauded People out of $800K+ to Fuel Gambling Habit

A former police officer in Virginia has defrauded people he knew out of $831,000 after he claimed to be about to receive a substantial inheritance and repay the debt soon after.

The inheritance claim was bogus, however, and ex-Eastville police officer Jerry Keith Brady, Jr, knowingly defrauded the people out of their money to fuel his gambling habit.

Brady, Jr pled guilty to one count of money laundering and wire fraud before Judge Lawrence R. Leonard in the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.

Most of the Transactions Were Never Repaid, and Victims Complained

A total of 13 people were scammed by the officer, who received 33 transactions from the victim into his account, with most of the money never repaid. Brady, Jr did not cheat friends and acquaintances out of greed per se, as he was struggling with gambling addiction and had spiraled down into his addiction without any help.

Brady, Jr, and some of the people who landed him money signed a promissory note that specified when the amount was due, but most of the deadlines were missed, with the police officer returning to ask for even more money.

The police officer has not been questioned over his integrity as a former member of law enforcement; however, a town statement reads:

“The charges currently involving Mr. Brady are personal in nature and are not related to his professional duties or employment with the Town of Eastville. The Town remains committed to transparency and integrity in all personnel matters. No further comment will be provided at this time.”

Brady, Jr appeared to be addicted to the so-called “skill machines,” which purport that a person can win more than they lose if they master the gameplay. The machines were located in gas stations on the Eastern Shore in Virginia, the court clarified.

However, the police officer similarly ventured into casinos and used online sports betting platforms to bet even more – all the classic signs of a severe case of gambling addiction.

Brady, Jr is now due to return in court on February 19, 2026, when his sentence will be handed down.