Authorities have accused a man who the U.S. Army dishonorably discharged of stealing tens of thousands of dollars from a veterans’ organization while pretending to be a decorated combat veteran.
On Tuesday, Suffolk County, New York, prosecutors announced criminal charges against 58-year-old David Agtsteribbe for alleged false claims of having Purple Heart awards and for stealing more than $81,000 from the American Legion. Agtsteribbe is said to have received a bad-conduct discharge following a court-martial conviction in 1988.
Prosecutors accused Agtsteribbe, who enlisted in the Army in 1986, of receiving benefits and stealing money from an American Legion post on Long Island by pretending he had two Purple Hearts—one for actions in the elite Combat Applications Group in Panama, and the other for wounds he sustained while protecting a U.S. senator in Iraq.
Agtsteribbe is charged with grand larceny, criminal possession of a forged instrument, offering a false instrument for filing, and falsifying business records,
Stolen valor cases are viewed as disrespecting those who served in combat zones and received awards for their service.
Agtsteribbe’s Alleged Criminal Scheme Lasted Years
Prosecutors said Agtsteribbe joined the American Legion post in Hamptons Bay in 2021, allegedly using fake military credentials in a role as finance officer.
That was how he allegedly stole more than $81,000 to pay for personal expenses including Amazon purchases, bills, streaming services, clothes and other items. The Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office said he transferred American Legion funds into his personal checking account.
They said the scheme lasted for most of a decade, and that he used falsified military documents to become a member of several veterans’ organizations, make media appearances, promote businesses and attend recognition ceremonies.
American Legion members started to notice money was missing and contacted the authorities, leading to his arrest.
“This case is about alleged fraud, theft, and the exploitation of resources that exist to support and honor those who have served our country,” said Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney during a news conference Tuesday announcing the charges, according to ABC News.
“That’s what they’re for. They’re for our veterans. They are not for fraudsters,” Tierney added.
Agtsteribbe also claimed to be a prisoner of war at a time he was in prison for a grand larceny conviction, prosecutors said.
“Our investigation revealed that the defendant should never have been able to join the American Legion in the first place, but was able to do so, only able to do so by falsely portraying himself as a decorated combat veteran with over three decades of service that never took place,” Tierney said. “So, not only did he steal from veterans, he pretended to be one as well.”
Prosecutors said that if convicted, Agtsteribbe could face 25 years to life in prison. He was due in court this week.
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44 Comments
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Interesting update on Discharged Army Soldier Allegedly Stole $81,000 From Veterans Group, Committed Stolen Valor. Curious how the grades will trend next quarter.
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Interesting update on Discharged Army Soldier Allegedly Stole $81,000 From Veterans Group, Committed Stolen Valor. Curious how the grades will trend next quarter.
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Interesting update on Discharged Army Soldier Allegedly Stole $81,000 From Veterans Group, Committed Stolen Valor. Curious how the grades will trend next quarter.
Good point. Watching costs and grades closely.
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Good point. Watching costs and grades closely.
Interesting update on Discharged Army Soldier Allegedly Stole $81,000 From Veterans Group, Committed Stolen Valor. Curious how the grades will trend next quarter.
Good point. Watching costs and grades closely.