Fake Marine Colonel found guilty

GREENVILLE, NC (AP) — A man accused of lying about Vietnam-era combat and collecting $30,000 in compensation has been convicted in federal court in North Carolina.

The U.S. Attorney’s office said in a statement released Thursday that a jury found 68-year-old Michael Hamilton guilty of false statement to the government, larceny of government property, unauthorized wearing of a military uniform and unauthorized wearing of Congressionally authorized military medals.

Sentencing is scheduled for August 9th. He faces up to 16 years in prison and $600,000 in fines. Hamilton was charged with telling Veterans Affairs officials that he saw combat in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. He was accused of
taking more than $30,000 in veteran’s benefits for service-related ailments, and with appearing at a veteran’s ceremony in Jacksonville dressed as a highly decorated Marine Colonel.

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