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Feds charge man for being phony Marine on Veteran’s Day
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Steve Burton
U.S. Attorneys announced on Veteran’s Day that they are bringing federal charges against a man who authorities say has been posing as a U.S. Marine.
Steve Burton, 39, has been accused of wearing a Marine Corps uniform decorated with some of the nation’s highest awarded medals to his 20th high school reunion.
Federal investigators said Burton has never served in any branch of the military, but has been seen and photographed wearing the uniform and medals on many occasions.
The FBI got wind of Burton’s charade when they received a photo of him in his uniform and medals from someone attending the reunion. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Colleen Solanga said she snapped the picture because she was suspicious of his Navy Cross medal, which is the second highest medal awarded for valor.
The FBI said an internet investigation revealed Burton blogged about being awarded the medals and commendations, and about his supposed combat experience in Afghanistan and Iraq. They also reported finding a picture of Burton wearing the uniform and medals.
Federal prosecutors have charged the Palm Springs, California man with "unauthorized wearing of military medals or decorations." The federal misdemeanor charge carries a maximum penalty of one year in federal prison.
Some of the medals Burton is accused of wearing are the Navy Cross, which is given for "extreme gallantry and risk of life, beyond the call of duty, performed in combat with an enemy force;" The Bronze Star, which is awarded for "heroic and meritorious achievement or service," and the Purple Heart, which is awarded for being killed or wounded in combat.
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