(AP) — A Northern California man has pleaded not guilty in a criminal case alleging he lied about having a Purple Heart for money.
Sixty-eight-year-old Gregory Allen, of Santa Rosa, entered the plea on Friday to one misdemeanor count of fraudulent representations about receipt of military medals or decorations.
Federal prosecutors say Allen falsely presented himself as a decorated lieutenant in the U.S Marine Corps. They also say he held himself out as a Purple Heart recipient in connection with fundraising efforts that resulted in donations of approximately $23,000.
Members of the armed forces who are wounded in battle are eligible for the Purple Heart.
Prosecutors say Allen used his false Marine service to help run a personal training business and start a military recruit training program for kids.
Follow us for more stories like this
CapRadio provides a trusted source of news because of you. As a nonprofit organization, donations from people like you sustain the journalism that allows us to discover stories that are important to our audience. If you believe in what we do and support our mission, please donate today.
Donate Today
