SENATOR CROCI’S BILL TO ESTABLISH A NEW CRIME OF STOLEN VALOR HAS PASSED THE SENATE

Media Contacts:                                                                                                                                           

Christine Geed, Communications Specialist

geed@nysenate.gov or (631) 398-8044

Jennifer Romero, Press Secretary

jromero@nysenate.gov or (631) 513-5657

PRESS RELEASE

Tuesday, April 12, 2016

For Immediate Release

Albany, NY – Impersonating a member of the armed services or veteran, or fraudulently displaying military awards or medals, would be a crime under legislation sponsored by Senator Thomas Croci (R, C, I – Sayville) and approved by the State Senate yesterday.

Senator Croci’s bill (S.5201) establishes the new crime of stolen valor, which is classified as a class E felony. In addition to creating the crime of stolen valor, the bill directs that a stolen valor fee of $250 be assessed against those convicted of the crime and deposited in to the Veteran’s Cemetery Fund, which will be used to establish and maintain a state veterans’ cemetery.

"Men and women who bravely serve our country deserve to have their honor and their uniform protected.  Anyone who would wear a uniform or decoration who has not earned it for the purpose of obtaining money or other benefits should be held accountable. Sadly, occurrences such as these have become all too common. Requiring the criminals to pay a stolen valor fee is a fitting way to ensure that our real veterans are honored appropriately,” stated Senator Croci, Chair of the State Senate Committee on Homeland Security, Veterans, and Military Affairs.

The bill has been sent to the Assembly.

All media inquiries should be directed to Senator Croci’s Communications Specialist, Christine Geed at (631) 398-8044 (call or text) or via email at geed@nysenate.gov. Inquiries for additional information should be directed to Senator Croci’s Press Secretary, Jennifer Romero at (631) 513-5657 or via email at jromero@nysenate.gov

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