East Texas Man Sentenced For “Stolen Valor”

Smith County has sentenced a man to 11 years in federal prison for posing as a decorated combat veteran to bilk investors out of more than a million dollars. The court prosecuted Derek Hamm under the Stolen Valor Act, which makes it illegal to fraudulently wear medals, embellish rank, or make false claims of military service to obtain money, employment, property, or some other tangible benefit. They ordered Hamm to pay restitution of at least $2.3 million and forfeiture of the proceeds of his criminal conduct, including jewelry, automobiles, and cash proceeds in the amount of $1,675,000.