YOU'RE LISTENING TO

Walker Talks

11:00 am - 2:00 pm

YOU'RE LISTENING TO

Walker Talks

11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Fayette County woman pleads guilty in ‘Stolen Valor’ fraud case

A Fayette County, Tennessee woman has pleaded guilty in federal court to charges stemming from a years-long scheme in which she falsely claimed to be a decorated U.S. Marine Corps veteran in order to obtain money and other benefits.

 

Thirty-six-year-old Amanda Kate Walker Bass pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of fraudulent use of military medals, commonly referred to as “stolen valor.”

 

According to federal prosecutors, Bass fabricated an elaborate story claiming she was a multiple-time deployed Marine who survived an enemy ambush in Afghanistan in 2010 and was seriously wounded, leaving her disabled and legally blind. Authorities say the claims were entirely false and that Bass never served in the U.S. Armed Forces.

 

Prosecutors said Bass used the fictitious narrative to solicit financial support and other assistance, including donations through a GoFundMe campaign, free labor, and additional benefits. She also shared the story widely online and in personal interactions to gain sympathy and support.

 

In July 2021, Bass’s claims led The Daily Memphian to publish an article about her titled, “Disabled, legally blind veteran now dealer of luxury goods.” Investigators later determined the account of her military service was fabricated.

 

Bass faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine for the wire fraud conviction. She also faces up to one year in prison and a $100,000 fine for the fraudulent use of military medals conviction.

 

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant condemned the conduct, saying, “Fraudulently claiming military service or medals for unjust personal enrichment not only victimizes our military heroes, but also preys upon the trust that citizens have in veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces.”

 

Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.

Share On

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top
Monday-Friday
Saturday-Sunday

Deal Of the Day

Friday

Friday

Crypto Brought To You By Mann's Wrecker

    Bitcoin