A Bucks County, PA, man to pay at least $7,500 in fines for faking his military career

A Bucks County, PA, man will pay at least $7,500 in civil penalties for misrepresenting his military career, Attorney General Josh Shapiro announced on Thursday. Tapan Patel, age not given, was accused of misrepresenting his military service in order to gain employment, Shapiro said in the release.

While Patel was a junior enlisted service member, he never served in combat, Shapiro said. Patel is accused of listing his status as an officer while applying for jobs, lying about combat service and saying he received awards like the Medal of Honor, Purple Heart and a “Navy War Medal” which doesn’t actually exist within the Navy, Shapiro said.

“This man’s decision to lie about military service and awards for person gain is disgraceful,” Shapiro said. “His actions not only violate the Stolen Valor Act, they dishonor the heroic women and men who have sacrificed to serve our contry and who have been awarded the military’s highest awards.”

Shapiro said by holding Patel accountable, his office was protecting “the honors our veterans have earned.”

https://www.pennlive.com/news/2018/11/man-to-pay-minimum-of-7500-in-penalties-for-stolen-valor-violations-attorney-general.html