A former New Jersey financial counselor, Caz Craffy, has been sentenced to 12.5 years in prison for defrauding Gold Star families out of nearly $10 million over a four-year period. Craffy used the funds to invest in accounts he managed and executed trades, often without permission.

One of the victims, Kimberly Ryan of the Hudson Valley, lost over $100,000. The U.S. Attorney's Office says restitution will be determined at a later date.

Craffy's scheme targeted vulnerable families who had lost loved ones in military service, exploiting their trust for personal financial gain.