Tucson Airman and Spouse Accused of Stealing Millions from Government

Couple allegedly used taxpayer funds to buy luxury home, cars, and maintain lavish lifestyle

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A Tucson-based U.S. Air Force staff sergeant and his spouse have been indicted on charges of conspiracy to commit theft of government property, wire fraud, and money laundering. The couple allegedly stole over $11 million from the Department of War between 2022 and 2025 by ordering medical devices with taxpayer funds and then reselling them for personal profit.

Why it matters

This case highlights the serious consequences of government fraud and the misuse of taxpayer dollars intended to support critical military operations and services. It also raises concerns about oversight and accountability within military procurement processes that allowed such a large-scale theft to occur over an extended period.

The details

According to the indictment, 35-year-old Staff Sgt. Richard Stefon Ramroop, who worked in the pharmacy at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, and his 32-year-old spouse Manuel George Madrid, allegedly used the stolen funds to purchase a million-dollar home in Tucson, a 2024 Porsche Cayenne SUV for $141,443, and a 2024 BMW i7 SUV for $195,397. The home and vehicles were seized when law enforcement executed a search warrant in January 2026.

  • From 2022 to 2025, the suspects allegedly made more than $11 million through their fraudulent scheme.
  • On February 11, 2026, Ramroop and Madrid were indicted by a federal grand jury.
  • On January 15, 2026, law enforcement executed a search warrant and seized the couple's home and luxury vehicles.

The players

Staff Sgt. Richard Stefon Ramroop

A 35-year-old U.S. Air Force staff sergeant who worked in the pharmacy at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base and is accused of ordering medical devices using taxpayer funds and reselling them for personal profit.

Manuel George Madrid

A 32-year-old Tucson resident and the spouse of Staff Sgt. Ramroop, who is accused of conspiring with Ramroop to steal millions of dollars from the government.

Timothy Courchaine

The U.S. Attorney who stated that the defendants allegedly stole millions in taxpayer dollars to bankroll a lavish lifestyle, diverting critical resources away from their intended purpose.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The defendants allegedly stole millions in taxpayer dollars from the U.S. Department of War to bankroll a lavish lifestyle, diverting critical resources away from their intended purpose. Every dollar taken through fraud is a dollar denied to the mission it was meant to support. The U.S. Attorney's Office and our federal and local law enforcement partners will hold accountable any individual who profits illegally at the expense of the American people.”

— Timothy Courchaine, U.S. Attorney (kold.com)

What’s next

The suspects could face decades in prison, fines, and restitution as a result of the charges. The judge will decide on whether to allow the defendants to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of robust oversight and accountability measures within government procurement processes to prevent fraud and the misuse of taxpayer funds. It also underscores the need for severe consequences for those who attempt to exploit the system for personal gain at the expense of the public.