William J. Burley Sentenced for Navy SEAL Impersonation Scam

William J. Burley, 36, of Yucaipa, Calif., was sentenced to three years in federal prison Wednesday for a brazen fraud scheme built on lies, fake military credentials, and exploited humanitarian desperation. The con man claimed to be a decorated Navy SEAL to swindle nonprofit organizations aiding victims in Africa, including International Aid Services – USA Inc. (IAS America) based in Crystal Lake, Illinois, and its sister group IAS International in Stockholm, Sweden.

Burley, who admitted in court he never served a day in the U.S. Navy, posed as an elite operative with a chest full of honors — including a Presidential Unit Citation, an Afghanistan Campaign Medal, a Silver Lifesavings Medal, and a Global War on Terrorism Medal. None of it was real. He also falsely claimed degrees from the University of Delaware and University of Maryland, and said he’d worked as a consultant for the Navy, Department of Defense, and Department of State — all fabrications designed to sell his cover.

The scam unfolded in the wake of a violent ambush on July 11, 2012, in Somalia, where four IAS International workers were attacked. Three were kidnapped, one shot and left for dead. Seizing on the crisis, Burley offered to negotiate with the captors or lead a rescue mission — all while demanding money. He convinced IAS America to pay him $30,000, cover his travel to Kenya, and fly another associate to assist in the operation that never materialized.

By September 2012, Burley arrived in Crystal Lake to pitch a so-called ‘rescue plan’ — complete with more false claims about his military past. But when IAS America uncovered the truth — that Burley had no ties to the Navy or any government agency — they cut ties immediately. His plan collapsed. The hostages remained captive until May 2014, long after Burley’s fraud was exposed.

On August 30, 2016, Burley pleaded guilty to wire fraud in U.S. District Court. Judge Philip G. Reinhard handed down the three-year sentence, followed by three years of supervised release. The court also ordered full restitution: $32,454 to be paid back to IAS America, the nonprofit drained by Burley’s deception.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John G. McKenzie and announced by Zachary T. Fardon, then U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, alongside FBI Chicago Special Agent-in-Charge Michael J. Anderson. The FBI led the investigation into Burley’s false identity and financial deception, underscoring the federal crackdown on those who exploit tragedies for personal gain.