FILE - The U.S. Department of Justice seal on a podium in Washington, D.C. (Samuel Corum/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
The Department of Justice (DOJ) says an Independence, Mo. man has pleaded guilty to fraudulently obtaining $124,262 in disability‑related payments from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) by claiming false combat service and medals from the Vietnam War in a case of stolen valor.
What we know:
The DOJ says James Lyon, 80, admitted that in 1966, he refused Marine Corps training as a conscientious objector and falsely claimed he had completed three separate periods of Marine Corps service, including combat during the Vietnam War. In addition, the DOJ says Lyon admitted to falsely claiming high‑level combat awards, including the Bronze Star and Silver Star, despite the fact that he never served in combat.
Dig deeper:
Lyon also admitted to lying to the VA about being diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and used fabricated medical records to seek disability compensation based on that false diagnosis and in doing so, the DOJ says Lyon received more than $124,000 to which he was not entitled.
What they're saying:
"Engaging in stolen valor—whether it involves stealing a veteran’s identity or making false claims about military service and awards—not only undermines the sacrifices made by those who have genuinely served but also dishonors the veterans who have rightfully earned their benefits," said Inspector General Cheryl L. Mason, Department of Veterans Affairs in a release. "At VA OIG, we are deeply committed to holding these individuals accountable and will work closely with our partners at the Department of Justice to ensure they are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Protecting the honor and benefits of veterans remains a top priority for us."
What's next:
The DOJ says a sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a pre-sentence investigation by the United States Probation Office and under federal statutes, Lyon faces a sentence of up to ten years in federal prison without parole.
The Source: This article includes information from the Department of Justice. This story was reported from Orlando.