Posted on 09/30/2007 8:02:42 PM PDT by TornadoAlley3
http://www.king5.com/topstories/stories/NW_092107WAB_phony_vets_SW.f8aaca26.html
SEATTLE - On the Internet in an anti-war video, 23-year old Jesse Macbeth of Tacoma is seen claiming to be an ex-Army Ranger, ordered to kill women and children in Baghdad.
In an anti-war video, Jesse Macbeth of Tacoma is seen claiming to be an ex-Army Ranger, ordered to kill women and children in Baghdad. But on Friday in Seattle Federal Court, Macbeth admitted it was all a lie as he was sentenced to prison and mental health treatment for submitting false information to the Veteran's Administration.
In reality, the Army booted Macbeth after 44 days in basic training.
On Friday, Seattle's top federal prosecutor unveiled a crackdown on several war hero fraudsters.
Larry Porter recieved a quarter million dollars in VA benefits while faking post traumatic stress disorder.
Merrick Hersey wore medals, but never served, and Macbeth's videos live on as propaganda.
"Some of these stories were translated into Arabic and distributed to the Middle East'," said U.S. Attorney Jeff Sullivan.
KING
Jesse Macbeth was sentenced to prison and mental health treatment for submitting false information to the Veteran's Administration.
The eight men profiled by federal authorities come from all walks of life and all American wars since World War II. most were after glory and money, in the form of VA benefits.
"What you see here represents approximately $1.4 million in loss to the VA in just these cases," said Veterans Affairs investigator Douglas Carver. "These benefits that they might receive are benefits that are denied someone else."
One of those men is Roy Scott, of Port Angeles, convicted last month. He was exposed by other Port Angeles Marines who doubted his stories of combat in Korea.
"When we started comparing notes with the guys that were there, it was then easy to pick him out as a fraud," said Terry Roth, Marine Corps League Port Angeles. "I still don't know why Roy did it. I've known him for over 10 years."
The author of the expose "Stolen Valor" says fraudsters do it because they can.
B.G. Burkett blames overwhelmed veterans agencies, lax regulations and poor record keeping, and says true heroes deserve better.
"Your rights are guaranteed by that American that went to Iraq - that went to Iwo Jima," said Burkett.
Besides Macbeth and Scott, the cases include:
- Reggie Buddle, 60, of Puyallup, who was sentenced to 500 hours of community service in July for posing as a decorated Marine Corps Chaplin and presiding over weddings, funerals and baptisms.
- Larry Lewis Porter, 52, of Seattle, who was sentenced to 37 months in April for mail fraud in connection with a scheme to fraudulently obtain $134,000 in disability benefits. He pretended to have PTSD after serving in the Navy.
- Merrick K. Hersey, 64, of Vancouver, was indicted Aug. 1 on charges of using a forged discharge certificate to apply for benefits for post-traumatic stress disorder. A fugitive, Hersey cleaimed to have won a Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts in Vietnam.
- Michael D. Heit, 58, of Harrington, pleaded guilty Thursday in U.S. District Court in Spokane to using a forged discharge certificate and falsely claiming military medals in posing as a Vietnam vet.
- Elvin J. Swisher, 70, of Idaho, has been charged with taking $95,000 in unearned benefits and falsely posing as a veteran of the Korean War.
- Carlos Riosvalle, 83, of Portland, Ore., was sentenced in Multnomah County in April for multiple counts of theft by deception. He collected nearly $23,000 in benefits after claiming to have been shot down during World War II; in fact, he never served.
Agents are asking for the public's help exposing phonies. Call the VA's hotline at 1-800-488-8244.
Phony Soldiers! I am shocked! SHOCKED!
I wonder what his DU screen name is?
Is that you John Kerry?
All these liars need jail no matter what age they are.
Soros will see to that.
I suppose Congress will introduce a resolution condemning these agents for going against these “brave soldiers.”
>>>>In reality, the Army booted Macbeth after 44 days in basic training.
Reminds me of a certain (former) network news anchor who never got out of USMC boot camp.
Scouts Out! Cavalry Ho!
I have uncovered, or helped to uncover, three phony vets. Each time, I felt slimed yet happy to be able to say “that one is no longer able to make those fake claims.”
VN Vet 68-69-70
Gee, I wonder if Rush is gonna get an apology now.
Phony soldier ping!
Link him the story and see what happens.
Having been thrown in the briar patch, Rush is gonna give ‘em both barrels.
Sometime around 20 years ago i copied and shrunk my dd214 50%, trimmed the paper, folded and stuffed it in my wallet.
It sure must stink about now as its never seen daylight! :-)
"What you see here represents approximately $1.4 million in loss to the VA in just these cases," said Veterans Affairs investigator Douglas Carver. "These benefits that they might receive are benefits that are denied someone else."
I have a Viet Nam Vet that works with me, twice wounded with the scars to prove it he should have received at least a 50% disability when he got out of Viet Nam in 1969.
He refused to accept any disability from the Government, he just wanted out.
He lives in his car.
Here is a picture of him hitching a ride in Nam.
These scum aren't even fit to walk in his shadow.
Or a Presidential candidate who only served four months in Viet Nam, and left with three Purple Hearts for self-inflicted wounds!
Macbeth?
“Out, damned spot! out, I say!”
I can hear them now:
Sir!.....”F” Troop of Lt.Kerry’s “Winter Soldiers” reporting for duty!
THESE are Kerry’s Ghengis Khan renegades.....
THESE are the type assholes the Senate and Nation believed, instead of their TRUE warriors...
A POX on ALL their asses..
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