Posted on 09/03/2012 11:05:34 PM PDT by Rabin
BIRMINGHAM—A federal grand jury today indicted a Huntsville man for fraud and unauthorized wearing of U.S. military uniforms and medals, U.S. Attorney Joyce White Vance and FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Robert E. Haley, III announced.
The FBI and U.S. Defense Criminal Investigative Service investigated the case. An indictment filed in U.S. District Court charges Chris Graham with: one count of fraud in relation to (possessing) identification documents, two counts of wearing of the U.S. "Army Combat Uniform" (without authorization). eight counts of unauthorized wearing of U.S. military badges, decorations, or medals (on combat uniform?).
15 years in prison and a $250,000 + 10 (6 months + $5000)
Assistant U.S. Attorney David H. Estes is prosecuting the case.
>>>snip
http://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/11pdf/11-210d4e9.pdf
UNITED STATES v. ALVAREZ CERTIORARI TO THE UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE NINTH CIRCUIT No. 11–210. Argued February 22, 2012—Decided June 28, 2012 The Stolen Valor Act makes it a crime to falsely claim receipt of mili¬tary decorations or medals Respondent pleaded guilty to a charge of falsely claiming that he had received the Medal of Honor, but reserved his right to appeal his claim that the Act is unconstitutional. The Ninth Circuit reversed, finding the Act invalid under the First Amendment. Held: The judgment is affirmed. JUSTICE KENNEDY, joined by THE CHIEF JUSTICE, JUSTICE GINSBURG, and JUSTICE SOTOMAYOR, concluded that the Act infringes upon speech protected by the First Amendment.
(Excerpt) Read more at fbi.gov ...
Rab
Supreme Court strikes down stolen valor act.
I mean, come on, the guy was just exercising his First Amendment rights! It; official - the world is upside down!
Apparently he wore the uniform and awards with the intent to defraud people out of money.
You nailed it. The law is being redrawn to criminalize the unauthorized use of awards to benefit financially, while leaving “freedom of expression” out of the mix.
So a phony vet can parade down the main street on Veterans’ Day decked out like an admiral in the Hungarian Navy without any legal consequence, unless he then heads off to the VA to apply for admiral’s benefits.
I guess my Halloween plan to go as a Fleet Admiral, medals, ceremonial sword and all, is out the window!
Where can I get a burqa?
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