Hesson v. Department of Justice

Julia Ann (née Bernhardt) Hesson (“Bernhardt”) appeals, on behalf of herself and her minor children, from the decision of the Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance (“BJA”) approving the claim of Julie Ann (née Keady) Hesson (“Keady”) for spousal benefits under the Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Act (the “PSOB Act”), 42 U.S.C. §§ 3796 et seq. Corrected Joint Appendix (“J.A.”) 1-6. Because the BJA correctly determined that Keady was the surviving spouse under the PSOB Act, we affirm.

BACKGROUND

On April 29, 2009, William Hesson (“Hesson”), a corrections officer, was physically…