A Cal Expo police officer was arrested by the FBI Friday on charges of falsely claiming he earned a Silver Star for gallantry in combat 18 years ago during Operation Desert Storm and then lying to FBI agents when confronted eight weeks ago.
Eric Gene Piotrowski, who is charged under the so-called Stolen Valor Act, made an initial appearance Friday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Dale A. Drozd, who ordered him released on a $10,000 unsecured bond.
Piotrowski, 41, bought the medal and certificate via the Internet in 2007, and created a citation on a personal computer, according to a sworn FBI affidavit in support of a criminal complaint.
The Marine veteran told family and friends he received the medal and certificate in the mail after requesting a copy of his military records, FBI Special Agent Mark Burgeson wrote in the affidavit.
Without his knowledge, Piotrowski's family arranged for California Department of Veterans Affairs Undersecretary Roger Brautigan to come to his Elk Grove home on an evening in 2007 and formally present the medal to him, according to the affidavit and JP Tremblay, deputy secretary of the department.
News of the presentation later appeared on the cover of the department's newsletter, and skeptical veterans urged the FBI to investigate.
Created in 1932, the Silver Star is the nation's third highest military decoration. Only the Medal of Honor and the Distinguished Service Cross are higher.
"It's the first time we've had anything like this happen," said Tremblay, speaking for the Veterans Affairs Department. "It insults those who really did earn these citations, and it's disheartening to all veterans and those of us who work with them."
The citation cites Piotrowski for "conspicuous gallantry" while leading his platoon, navigating for the battalion and controlling "supporting arms well forward of the lead elements throughout Operation Desert Storm." It says "he exposed himself to direct enemy fire" while providing cover for a team maneuvering to destroy an Iraqi tank.
"By his bold leadership, wise judgment, and complete dedication to duty, Cpl. Piotrowski reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service," the citation concludes.
Piotrowski forged the signature of Secretary of the Navy Henry L. Garrett III on it, according to the affidavit.
The Veterans Affairs newsletter reported that Brautigan "joined an excited and proud family in their home to surprise Piotrowski."
"I was deeply moved while reading Eric's citation …," the newsletter quoted Brautigan as saying.
Tremblay said Piotrowski's story was made more believable by the fact he was in the Marine Corps and did serve in the Middle East.
But Piotrowski, after first insisting he was entitled to the Silver Star when he was interviewed by FBI agents on March 17, confessed in a second interview on March 20 that he was back in the United States when Desert Storm commenced and "did not encounter any hostile action," according to Burgeson's affidavit.
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http://www.redding.com/news/2009/may/08/federal-agents-arrest-sacramento-area-police-offic/
Showing posts with label Stolen Valor. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Stolen Valor. Show all posts
Friday, May 08, 2009
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
Former Detective Kris Ledford Sentenced to 4 years in Prison
Muskogee
A former Muskogee police detective has been sentenced to four years in prison after pleading guilty to stealing and selling guns taken from a police evidence room.
Kris Ledford of Broken Arrow was charged last year after an investigation by federal and local authorities. He was accused of stealing and selling at least nine guns between June 2007 and May 2008.
Ledford was also charged with one count of 'Stolen Valor' for claiming to have won a Purple Heart and Bronze Star when he in fact had not. Ledford attempted to claim trauma from combat explained his criminal behavior.
"Police officers are given the public trust by the citizen of their community," U.S. Attorney Sheldon Sperling said in November after Ledford's guilty plea. "Kris Ledford betrayed that trust and brought dishonor to the Muskogee Police Department by committing crimes against the same citizens and police department that hired him and gave him this trust."
Ledford also faces related charges in Cherokee, Tulsa and Wagoner counties.
In Tulsa County, Ledford is charged with impersonating a police officer and larceny of merchandise from a retailer.
Ledford was a five-year veteran of the Muskogee Police Department.
A former Muskogee police detective has been sentenced to four years in prison after pleading guilty to stealing and selling guns taken from a police evidence room.
Kris Ledford of Broken Arrow was charged last year after an investigation by federal and local authorities. He was accused of stealing and selling at least nine guns between June 2007 and May 2008.
Ledford was also charged with one count of 'Stolen Valor' for claiming to have won a Purple Heart and Bronze Star when he in fact had not. Ledford attempted to claim trauma from combat explained his criminal behavior.
"Police officers are given the public trust by the citizen of their community," U.S. Attorney Sheldon Sperling said in November after Ledford's guilty plea. "Kris Ledford betrayed that trust and brought dishonor to the Muskogee Police Department by committing crimes against the same citizens and police department that hired him and gave him this trust."
Ledford also faces related charges in Cherokee, Tulsa and Wagoner counties.
In Tulsa County, Ledford is charged with impersonating a police officer and larceny of merchandise from a retailer.
Ledford was a five-year veteran of the Muskogee Police Department.
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