Palm Springs man charged for falsely wearing military medals

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By Associated Press

Summary

A Palm Springs man who was never in the military has been charged with wearing the Navy's highest honor. Federal prosecutors in Los Angeles say 39-year-old Steven Burton was photographed wearing the Navy Cross along with other prominent medals.

Story Created: Nov 11, 2009 at 3:33 PM PDT

Story Updated: Nov 12, 2009 at 1:40 PM PDT

Palm Springs man charged for falsely wearing military medals

This undated photo released by the Department of Justice shows Steven Burton in San Diego. (AP Photo/Department of Justice)

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (AP) — A Palm Springs man who was never in the military has been charged with wearing the Navy's highest honor.

Federal prosecutors in Los Angeles say 39-year-old Steven Burton was photographed wearing the Navy Cross along with the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart and other medals.

The U.S. attorney's office said Wednesday that a Navy commander attending her high school reunion noticed Burton wearing a Marine uniform with the medals and contacted the FBI.

Authorities say Burton claimed in Internet postings that he'd served in Afghanistan and Iraq. He's expected to surrender Thursday to face a charge of unauthorized wearing of military medals. He could face up to a year in federal prison if convicted.

There was no telephone listing for a Steven Burton in Palm Springs.