BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS: Former Marine Paul John Herbert is facing federal charges for falsely claiming to be the sole survivor of an enemy IED attack in Iraq and receiving thousands of dollars from the government.
Herbert was arrested by the federal detectives in Western Massachusetts on Friday, September 1.
Why was Paul John Herbert arrested?
Per The Daily Beast, Herbert lied about being the sole survivor of an IED attack during his time in Iraq. He even submitted an application for a Purple Heart, which honors veterans for their extraordinary service to the nation.
The Purple Heart honor comes with a huge number of perks, which could have been a motive behind lying about injuries and losses while serving in the army.
Herbert was in the Marines from 1989 to 1995. He was enaged in active duty between 1989 to 1993 and was in the reserves from 1993 to 1995.
Altogether 15 years after his service, he allegedly lied about sustaining traumatic brain injuries in the attack and obtained money from the government.
According to the grand jury indictment that was read on Friday, September 1, Herbert “did, on a recurring basis, knowingly and willfully embezzle, steal, purloin and convert to his use… disability benefits [worth] approximately $344,040.”
In the Purple Heart application submitted in 2019, he claimed to have sustained traumatic brain injuries. The indictment added, “In truth and fact, as the defendant well knew, his statement was false.”
He has been charged with one count of theft of government money and one count of making false statements.
While he was released on Friday, September 1, he is due to appear in court for the next hearing.
Paul John Herbert faces upto 10 years in prison
If Herbert is convicted of the theft, he faces upto 10 years in prison and five years for falsifying claims, per the Department of Justice..
US Attorney Joshua S Levy said in a statement on Friday, "Mr. Herbert’s alleged conduct is an affront to every veteran who has sacrificed to earn the honor of a Purple Heart and who is deserving of disability benefits."
He continued, "According to the indictment, he not only stole tens of thousands of dollars in disability benefits that are supposed to be used to help veterans in need, but he also falsely claimed to have suffered a traumatic brain injury during his deployment in an effort to receive a Purple Heart he didn’t deserve,”
He added, “Every day, thousands of brave members of the military selflessly risk their lives to protect our country. Stealing from our country’s veterans or claiming valor where there is none is an insult to the honorable service members who sacrifice for our safety.”
Herbert has reportedly not just lied about his brain injury, he also used to wear more ribbons and badges than he had actually earned.
In 2022, he confessed during an interview with The Recorder, “I just needed to feel important. I started feeling important and feeling good about myself and I didn’t know a way to get out.”
The marine who fell from grace further added, “I know I hurt a lot of people that trusted me and cared about me and everything else… I didn’t want any of that stuff. I got mad at myself. I hated myself. I still hate myself for this.”
