Arkansas veteran's wife and stepdaughter charged with $32,000 disability fraud
- Shannon Collins, a 52-year-old Army veteran, disappeared in March 2021 after returning home to Pottsville, Arkansas, from Tennessee.
- His wife Treasa and stepdaughter Brittany have been charged with fraud, accused of wrongfully claiming $32,434.49 of his disability benefits post-disappearance.
- The charges signal a broader investigation into the circumstances around Collins' disappearance and suggest potential foul play.
In Pottsville, Arkansas, Shannon Collins, a 52-year-old U.S. Army veteran, vanished on March 12, 2021, the day after returning home from a trip to Tennessee. His disappearance occurred amid reported tensions in his marriage, including allegations of an affair. Despite his family’s concerns, Treasa Collins, Shannon's wife, did not report him missing, asserting that he had walked away following a domestic dispute. This refusal to cooperate with searches and investigations prompted further scrutiny. A three-year FBI investigation into the matter led to serious allegations against Treasa Collins and her daughter, Brittany. They are charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aiding in the fraudulent collection of Shannon’s disability benefits, totaling $32,434.49. The case has highlighted the troubling circumstances surrounding Shannon's last known interactions and raises suspicion about the actions of those closest to him. Witness statements from family further complicate the narrative, with allegations of deceitful communications where Treasa allegedly pretended to be Shannon, claiming he was in a Veterans Affairs program and managing their financial matters from afar. Such actions have deepened the concerns of Shannon's brother, Blake, who believes foul play may be involved. Overall, this ongoing investigation not only seeks the truth about Shannon’s fate but also examines the potential ramifications of financial motives that may have led to his disappearance.