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"Stolen Valor" Act signed into law

August 22, 2016

People seeking benefits by posing as veterans or active duty military personnel could now face a stiff fine under a measure just signed into law by Gov. Jack Markell. Sponsored by Rep. Rich Collins, R-Millsboro, House Bill 80 (as amended) expands the crime of criminal impersonation to include those who falsely claim to be current or past members of the U.S. military for the purpose of "obtaining money, property, or other tangible benefit." The legislation also applies to veterans who try to benefit by deceptively claiming a higher rank then they achieved.

Those found guilty of the new Class A misdemeanor will pay a steep price for their transgression.

"The penalty is $1,000 and the judge is not allowed to reduce or suspend that fine," Collins said. "I think veterans deserve all the respect we can possibly give them. This law will serve to help protect the legacy they worked so hard to create."

More than a dozen legislators and members of veterans' organizations recently attended a signing ceremony for the law in Markell's Dover office, with many sharing stories of scams perpetrated by individuals who could now be found guilty of violating the new statute.

"I think there is more of this than is being reported," said Sen. Bruce Ennis, D-Smyrna, the co-prime sponsor of the bill.

Commissioner Ronald Sarg, with the Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs, said it is an easy crime to perpetrate since it is not difficult for someone "to put on fatigues and pretend to be a veteran."

Collins said the law will hopefully give authorities a tool to crack down on such acts and potentially curtail them.

Rep. Ruth Briggs King, R-Georgetown, a co-sponsor of the bill, said she believes the law will raise public awareness, making it more difficult to commit this type of fraud.

The measure passed the General Assembly unanimously. It takes effect immediately.

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