Officer from Eastville Under Investigation for Alleged $819K Inheritance Fraud to Fund Gambling Habit
Eastville police officer Jerry Keith Brady Jr., 38, of Belle Haven, was arrested on federal charges of wire fraud and money laundering on undisclosed dates. The indictment, which was unsealed last week, alleges that Brady diverted borrowed funds towards gambling, leading to losses totaling at least $819,000.
According to the prosecution, Brady allegedly borrowed tens of thousands of dollars from 15 unnamed individuals. Two of the money laundering charges involve checks Brady allegedly wrote back to victims, totaling $31,000. If convicted, Brady could face up to 20 years in prison for each wire fraud charge and up to 10 years for each money laundering charge.
The federal charges against Brady Jr were a result of a federal indictment. The alleged scheme spanned from November 2020 to November 2024. The identities of the 15 unnamed individuals who lent money to Brady are not publicly disclosed.
The arrest has led to increased scrutiny for Eastville's police department. Town officials have denied allegations of "policing for profit," stating that officers in Eastville only issued citations to drivers going over 70 mph in a 55-mph zone. However, WTKR reported that Eastville officers were issuing as many as 400 speeding tickets per month during the summer and between 200 and 250 in the winter.
Former Eastville Police Chief Linwood Christian was questioned by federal agents about Brady in January. Christian alleges he was pressured to promote Brady in an effort to help him repay his debts. Christian was removed from his role last November due to a "lack of production."
The figures involved in the case are considered unusually high for a town with just 200 residents. The prosecution claims Brady used the borrowed funds to fuel a gambling addiction, and states that there was never any inheritance or life insurance, nor were there any associated fees that Brady needed to pay.
Brady is scheduled to appear in court on September 3, 2025. The case continues to draw attention and concern in the small town of Eastville.
