Local Man Plead Guilty to Posing as Purple Heart Awardee
Mark Chartrand, a 46-year-old man from St. Louis, Missouri, plead guilty to violating the Stolen Valor Act for posing as a Purple Heart awardee. This crime is a serious offense, and Chartrand’s actions have caused harm to those who have earned the right to wear the Purple Heart.
According to the plea agreement, Chartrand traveled from Missouri to California and convinced his AirBNB hosts to extend him credit and lend him money based in part on his distinguished military service and numerous awards and medals, including a Purple Heart.
Chartrand, who was using the false name ‘Mark Rhodes,’ demonstrated a blatant disregard for the truth and the sacrifices made by those who have earned the Purple Heart. His actions are a betrayal of the trust placed in him by his community.
The case against Chartrand was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service and the U.S. Department of Defense – Office of the Inspector General – Defense Criminal Investigative Service.
Chartrand, a prior federal offender, has sustained a conviction for impersonating a federal officer in 2012. He faces up to one-year imprisonment, a fine of $100,000 or both, and mandatory restitution to the victims.
Chartrand will remain in custody until his sentencing on August 22, 2017. His actions serve as a reminder that dishonesty and deceit will not be tolerated in our society.
In a statement, the U.S. Secret Service and the U.S. Department of Defense – Office of the Inspector General – Defense Criminal Investigative Service emphasized the importance of upholding the integrity of our military honors and the trust placed in those who wear them.
Key Facts
- State: Missouri
- Category: Public Corruption
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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