A Mine Hill man has been accused of committing fraud by lying about his military record so that he could receive undeserved gifts.

According to the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, the 66-year-old suspect lied and said that he was a POW in Vietnam. The suspect also reportedly told a false story about how he saved the lives of eight soldiers during a Vietnam War battle. Moreover, the suspect reportedly said that he was a sergeant and/or captain in the Army – even though he had actually been discharged as a private first class.

The suspect’s fabrications allegedly allowed him to obtain a Distinguished Service Medal from Morris County officials during a military ceremony. He also allegedly convinced the owner of a private business to give him a free deck valued at $30,000.

The Mine Hill NJ suspect was placed under arrest by Wharton police and subsequently charged with numerous crimes, including theft by deception, tampering with public records, and violating the New Jersey Stolen Valor Act. He was also charged with filing false applications to receive benefits via the Purple Heart and Wounded Warrior programs.

Morris County prosecutors said that they plan to refer the case to a grand jury for indictment.

After being arrested and processed, the suspect was taken to the Morris County Jail in Morristown, New Jersey. He was being held at the jail in lieu of $10,000 bail.

To learn more about this case, access the NJ.com article, “Case Against Man Accused of Lying about Army Record Will Go to Grand Jury.”