Jason Martin, a Army National Guardsman was indicted on charges of wire fraud and theft of government property and is facing two federal felony charges for allegedly stealing over $10k in education benefits.
His trial is set for December 18th and could possibly face up to 20 years in prison. According to information filed with the U.S. District Court, Martin was in the U.S. military from Feb. 25, 2002, until Sept. 16, 2005, when he was discharged under “other than honorable” conditions.
Martin apparently purchased fictitious DD-214 forms from a fellow soldier that showed Martin’s discharge status as “honorable.” Martin also allegedly created an ink stamp signature to authenticate the fake forms.
In 2006, Martin allegedly re-entered the military by submitting the fake DD-124 form to the Montana Army National Guard. About a month later, he requested GI Bill educational benefits and received regular monthly benefits.
“Based upon his fraudulent re-enlistment, Martin obtained more than $10,000 in education benefits to which he was not entitled to receive,” Kris McLean, the criminal chief assistant U.S. Attorney, wrote in court documents.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General.
Source: Reporter Eve Bryon, Independent Record.