Sumner man pleads guilty to falsely claiming military honors

By Associated Press

Summary

A 57-year-old man pleaded guilty Wednesday in Tacoma to a federal charge of making false claims of military medals and decorations. Steve A. Bennest, of Sumner, is scheduled to be sentenced on March 17. He faces up to one year in prison and a $100,000 fine.

Story Published: Dec 17, 2008 at 3:33 PM PST

Story Updated: Dec 17, 2008 at 3:33 PM PST

SEATTLE (AP) - A 57-year-old man pleaded guilty Wednesday in Tacoma to a federal charge of making false claims of military medals and decorations.

Steve A. Bennest, of Sumner, is scheduled to be sentenced on March 17. He faces up to one year in prison and a $100,000 fine.

Federal prosecutors contended Bennest falsely stated on an application for veterans benefits that he had earned a Purple Heart and Bronze Star, among the highest decorations awarded to members of the military.

While Bennest served in the Army between 1969 and 1972, he earned neither medal.

He is a former city of Pacific reserve police officer.