June 12, 2009 in Nation/World

Man accused of posing as decorated Marine

Associated Press The Spokesman-Review

PHOENIX – A man has been accused of pretending to be a highly decorated Marine by wearing a uniform with ribbons representing prestigious military honors, authorities said Thursday.

John William Rodriguez, 31, was arrested Wednesday and faces 13 charges of felony fraud schemes.

Rodriguez also may face a federal charge of violating the Stolen Valor Act of 2005, which makes it a misdemeanor to lie about getting a military decoration.

Detective Roger Wilson said it was unclear why Rodriguez was posing as a war hero, but that he got discounts on airline tickets, didn’t have to change the registration on his car from California to Arizona and made friends by introducing himself as a Marine.

Wilson said Rodriguez, who is unemployed, had been living in Scottsdale, at the home of a man he met on a flight to Phoenix, without paying for his stay.

He also said Rodriguez cited an upcoming deployment to Iraq to get a court hearing on a drunken-driving charge postponed.