Eastville Officer Charged in $819K Fraud to Support Gambling Habit

Allegations Against Eastville Police Officer

Jerry Keith Brady Jr., a police officer from Eastville, faces serious federal charges after allegedly deceiving friends and acquaintances to borrow over $819,000. Authorities accuse him of wire fraud and money laundering, claiming he fabricated stories about an inheritance to obtain loans.

Details of the Fraud Scheme

Brady, 38, residing in Belle Haven, was arrested in connection with a scheme that reportedly took place between November 2020 and November 2024. According to the federal indictment, he told multiple people he needed financial assistance to cover fees related to a supposed inheritance or life insurance payout from a relative, which were never real.

The indictment states that Brady borrowed large sums from at least 15 individuals, amassing losses exceeding $819,000. Rather than repaying these loans, he allegedly used much of the money to feed a gambling addiction, repaying only a small fraction of the debt.

Investigators maintain that no inheritance or life insurance existed, and the fees Brady claimed to owe were fabricated. He also reportedly signed written agreements promising repayment but failed to honor most of those commitments. Part of the money laundering charges stem from checks Brady wrote back to some victims using original borrowed funds, effectively recycling the money.

Impact on Eastville Police Department

The scandal comes amid growing criticism of the Eastville Police Department. Former Police Chief Linwood Christian revealed that federal agents interrogated him about Brady early in the year. Christian, who was removed from his position last November due to performance issues, mentioned he was pressured to promote Brady to help him manage his debts.

The department is also under scrutiny for its aggressive traffic enforcement, issuing an unusually high number of speeding tickets compared to the town’s population of just 200 residents. Officials deny claims of revenue-driven policing, asserting that tickets were issued only for significant violations.

Legal Proceedings and Potential Consequences

Brady is scheduled for a court appearance on September 3, 2025. If found guilty, he could face up to 20 years in prison for each wire fraud count and up to 10 years for each money laundering count. Beyond imprisonment, he may also be liable for restitution to victims and forfeiture of assets connected to the offenses.