Terry McBurney, Unlawful Procurement of Naturalization, Tennessee 2016

Grimy Times has learned that Terry McBurney, a 47-year-old former major with the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Department, pleaded guilty to unlawful procurement of naturalization, making false statements under oath, and wire fraud. McBurney was born in Ireland and submitted false documents claiming to be a U.S. citizen to secure employment with the sheriff’s office and gain Tennessee POST certification.

According to court documents, McBurney submitted an application for employment to the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office in September 2010, which stated he was a U.S. citizen. He also submitted a Department of Homeland Security Form I-9, Employment Verification Eligibility, marked as a U.S. citizen. In December 2010, McBurney applied to the Tennessee Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Commission, again claiming to be a U.S. citizen.

McBurney obtained Tennessee POST certification in May 2011, making him eligible for a $600 per year pay supplement. He received supplemental payments of $600 in 2013, 2015, and 2016. In 2013, McBurney was promoted to captain, and in 2016, he was promoted to major, both positions requiring U.S. citizenship. McBurney admitted to lying about his citizenship status during the plea hearing.

The indictment also alleges that McBurney submitted an application for naturalization in September 2015, claiming to have never falsely claimed U.S. citizenship. On February 24, 2016, McBurney took the oath of allegiance and was naturalized as a U.S. citizen, making false statements to secure his citizenship.

McBurney faces up to 10 years in prison for unlawful procurement of naturalization, up to 5 years for making a false statement under oath, and up to 20 years in prison for wire fraud. He also faces a $250,000 fine for each charge and possible revocation of his U.S. citizenship.

ICE- Homeland Security Investigations and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation investigated the case, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda J. Klopf prosecuting the case. McBurney will be sentenced on May 12, 2017.

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