Man who lied about military service sentenced to 3 years in prison

By Laurence Hammack



Former Army serviceman Randall Moneymaker was sentenced to three years in prison today for embellishing a brief military career into that of a decorated combat veteran.

Moneymaker is one of the growing number of "phony war heros" across the nation, Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig "Jake" Jacobsen said.

"As the wars drag on in this country, you have more and more wannabes" who make claims of sacrifices never suffered and medals never earned, the prosecutor said.

But unlike other imposters who seek only bragging rights or political gain, Moneymaker was motivated mostly by greed, the government contended — making false claims to collect more than $18,000 in disability and military benefits.

Moneymaker was sentenced today by Judge James Turk following a trial in March in U.S. District Court in Roanoke.

After hearing testimony that Moneymaker made up tales of firefights, Ranger missions and hundreds of parachute jumps, a jury convicted him of six charges of fraud and theft.

Following today’s sentencing, Moneymaker was allowed to remain free on bond until he is ordered to report to prison, which will probably be in two or three months, his attorney said.

SHould have ordered him back on active duty and made him go to Levanworth.

I guess that I still don't get how these dudes talked their way into benefits. Whenever I have had dealing with the VA, I have had to present easily verified paperwork.

Same here Jack B. From my experiences with the VA, the VA just roll over and give benefits.

I guess the guy was good at forging Gov. paperwork and knew just how to go about submitting a well grounded claim with no red flags.

He probably had to Forge several copies though because I'm sure that the VA lost at least the first two or three claims he submitted....