RI Lawmaker Wants to Ensure "Stolen Valor" for Personal Benefit is Criminalized
GoLocalProv News Team
RI Lawmaker Wants to Ensure "Stolen Valor" for Personal Benefit is Criminalized
On Tuesday afternoon, 2022-H 7714, sponsored by Rep. Samuel A. Azzinaro (D-Dist. 37, Westerly) is being heard before the House Judiciary Committee.
The legislation would create the crime of stolen valor, for falsely representing himself or herself as a member of the military or armed forces, which is punishable by imprisonment of not more than one year, a fine of $1,000, or both.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTThe fines would go toward the Rhode Island Military Relief Fund.
Azzinaro served in the National Guard for four years, and was a member of the Army Reserve for four years, including two years of active duty. He was a Staff Sergeant E6.
He chaired a commission which led to the 2020 dedication and unveiling of a new memorial to the nine Rhode Island Marines who were killed in the 1983 Beirut bombing attack. The memorial is located along the Providence River.
In 2019, he was also honored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars with the group’s Legislative Award due to his consistent and tireless advocacy for veterans’ issues at the State House.
See Bill Language Below
The state legislation comes on the heels of a Rhode Island woman being recently charged at the federal level.
In March, a Warwick woman who is alleged to have fraudulently claimed to be a wounded United States Marine Corps (USMC) veteran and recipient of a Purple Heart and Bronze Star, and schemed to collect hundreds of thousands of dollars in veteran benefits and charitable contributions, was arrested by federal agents.
Sarah Jane Cavanaugh, 31, who made her initial appearance in federal court in Providence, is alleged to have used the personal identifying information of an actual Marine, and falsely claimed that she served in the USMC from 2009-2016; was honorably discharged; achieved the rank of Corporal; and was wounded in action in Iraq/Afghanistan.
2022 -- H 7714
SECTION 1. Title 11 of [Rhode Island] General Laws entitled "CRIMINAL OFFENSES" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following chapter:
11-70-1. False representation of military status prohibited – Stolen valor.
(a) A person commits the crime of stolen valor if he or she knowingly, with the intent to obtain money, property, or another tangible benefit:
(1) Fraudulently represents himself or herself to be an active member or veteran of the United States Navy, Army, Air Force, Marines, or Coast Guard, including armed forces reserves and National Guard through the unauthorized manufacture, sale, or use of military regalia or gear, including the wearing of military uniforms, or the use of falsified military identification; and obtains money, property, or another tangible benefit through such fraudulent representation.
(2) Fraudulently represents himself or herself to be a recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross, Navy Cross, Air Force Cross, Silver Star, Purple Heart, Combat Infantryman Badge, Combat Action Badge, Combat Medical Badge, Combat Action Ribbon, or Air Force Combat Action Medal; and obtains money, property, or another tangible benefit through such fraudulent representation.
(b) A person who commits the crime of stolen valor is guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be punished by imprisonment for not more than one year or by a fine of one thousand dollars ($1,000), or both.
(c) Any monies collected pursuant to this chapter shall be forwarded to the office of the adjutant general to be allocated to the Rhode Island military family relief fund established pursuant to § 30-3-41.