Tracy Greer/KJZZ

Phoenix VA hospital.

(Photo via Phoenix VA Health Care System)

Sharon Helman

The former director of the Phoenix VA has been sentenced to two years of probation for failing to report gifts from a lobbyist.

But one veteran’s advocate said Sharon Helman’s punishment does not fit the crime.

Helman sobbed as she spoke in court Monday, saying she’d betrayed the trust given to her by the country and its veterans. Her attorney declined to comment after the hearing. 

"It’s good that Helman was held accountable, but bad that she has not been forced answer for the veterans who died while awaiting care from the VA," said Dan Caldwell, vice president of Concerned Veterans for America.

“I absolutely do believe she should have gone to jail for illegally accepting gifts from a lobbyist,” Caldwell said. “And she should go to jail for all the suffering that she created for veterans and their families at the Phoenix VA.”

When asked why the judge should accept Helman’s plea deal, the prosecutor said she was not skating on a lesser charge, and there was no evidence of quid pro quo between her and the lobbyist.

But Caldwell said there is evidence Helman was involved with wait lists at the Phoenix VA and other facilities.

“The VA’s inspector general confirmed that,” Caldwell said. “What the prosecutor is saying is that he feels that he did not have evidence to prosecute her criminally for that.”

Helman’s attorney described her as a passionate advocate for veterans and said in court that death threats have forced her family to relocate. 

The judge told Helman she should not paint herself as a victim, because “everything that’s happened to you was self-inflicted.”

FBI Special Agent in Charge, Michael D. Deleon, released a statement following the sentencing. 

“The FBI recognizes and appreciates the tremendous sacrifice and service our veterans have made for our country.  With this in mind, we conducted a thorough and extensive investigation of the allegations surrounding the Phoenix VA.  Our investigation revealed that the former director of the Phoenix VA Medical Center failed to report gifts as required under federal law and this outcome holds the defendant accountable.”