Former treasurer gets six months with probation, owes $67K for funds stolen from veterans

CHEYENNE (WNE) — A local woman charged with stealing thousands from veterans organizations was sentenced Monday afternoon to six months in jail followed by five years probation, in line with a plea bargain by Laramie County District Judge Nathaniel Hibben.

Cheryl Shannon used her position as treasurer to steal nearly $68,000 from the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 1881 Auxiliary and the local Disabled American Veterans (DAV) chapter combined, according to court documents.

Shannon was arrested twice in December 2024 for two felony counts of theft and one felony count of forgery.

“I cannot apologize enough for what I did,” Shannon told the court Monday.

Shannon’s attorney told the court those funds were used to support her alcohol and gambling addiction.

Shannon told Judge Hibben she was doing everything she could to make it right.

In addition to the six months in jail followed by five years probation, Shannon was sentenced to provide restitution of $41,908 to the VFW Post 1881 Auxiliary and $25,800 to the DAV.

The sum is to be paid within 10 days of closing on the property that Shannon has put on the market to pay this restitution.

Donors to the chapter are concerned about getting the stolen funds back quickly and efficiently, Watson said.

“For three-and-a-half years, Cheryl Shannon stole money from our chapter, and showed no concern or compassion for the veterans she was stealing from,” Watson said. “To steal from disabled veterans is unforgivable. Her punishment should fit the crime. There is no excuse for her actions.”

This story was published on Oct. 8, 2025.