New York Man accused of fabricating military service, then allegedly stole $81,000 from a veterans organization: ‘They are not for fraudsters’
He was dishonorably discharged but he didn't let that stop him
A New York man was arrested on Monday after being accused of fabricating his military history as well as stealing $81,000 from a veterans organization. The man, who was allegedly dishonorably discharged, falsely presented himself as a decorated veteran with two Purple Hearts, according to New York prosecutors.
Criminal charges against David Agtsteribbe, 58, were announced on November 10, the day before Veterans Day in a New York court. Agtsteribbe, from Hampton Bay, was accused of falsely portraying himself as a two-time Purple Heart recipient and falsifying his military record to receive personal and financial benefits, according to ABC News.
However, Suffolk County prosecutors said Agtsteribbe reportedly received a bad conduct discharge in 1988 following a court-martial conviction. According to the criminal complaint against Agtsteribbe, the 58-year-old claimed he received his first Purple Heart in Panama for his service in the Combat Applications Group. He claimed to have received his second after he said he was wounded while protecting a U.S. Senator in Iraq.
David Agtsteribbe was also accused of stealing funds from American Legion
Agtsteribbe was also accused of stealing money from the Long Island veterans organization American Legion, where he had obtained a leadership position. Prosecutors allege that he stole $81,000 from the organization to fund personal expenses. His expenses allegedly included Amazon purchases, electric and cable bills, streaming services, and travel and leisure, among other personal expenses.
Agtsteribbe allegedly falsified over three decades of military history and claimed to have been a prisoner of war. He has been accused of submitting falsified documents in order to obtain memberships in numerous veterans organizations for the better part of a decade, according to Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney. He also allegedly used his falsified documents to attend ceremonies, make media appearances, and promote his own business.
According to Tierney, he also obtained official government documents using his allegedly fake military history, including a veteran’s photo ID, Purple Heart license plates, and government permits.
Tierney said that the case was “about alleged fraud, theft, and the exploitation of resources that exist to support and honor those who have served our country.” He reiterated that the services were for the use of veterans, adding, “They are not for fraudsters.”
According to ABC News, Agtsteribbe has been charged with Grand Larceny, criminal possession of a forged instrument, as well as offering a forged instrument for filing and falsifying business records. If convicted, he could face 25 years to life in prison. On Tuesday, he pleaded not guilty. He is due to appear in court again this week.
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