Long Island man accused of faking Purple Hearts, stealing $81K from veterans group
Prosecutors say David Agtsteribbe used false Purple Heart claims to gain access to the post and spend more than $81,000 on personal expenses.
- On Tuesday, Suffolk County prosecutors charged 58-year-old David Agtsteribbe with stealing more than $81,000 from the Hampton Bays American Legion after he allegedly faked military service records to secure a leadership role.
- Agtsteribbe falsified documents to claim two Purple Hearts for service in Panama and Iraq, despite receiving a bad-conduct discharge following a court-martial conviction in 1988.
- Stolen funds allegedly covered personal expenses including Amazon purchases, utilities, and travel, while Agtsteribbe falsely claimed to be a prisoner of war during a period he was actually imprisoned for grand larceny.
- Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney announced the charges on the eve of Veterans Day, stating, "This case is about alleged fraud, theft, and the exploitation of resources that exist to support and honor those who have served our country."
- Agtsteribbe faces 25 years to life in prison if convicted on the top count and was remanded during his arraignment on Tuesday; he is due back in court later this week.
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17 Articles
Man accused of stealing from veterans organization, fabricating military service
Prosecutors announce charges against David Agtsteribbe, who was dishonorably discharged from the U.S. Army, on Nov. 10, 2026, in Suffolk County, New York. (WABC) A man dishonorably discharged from the U.S. Army is accused of falsely casting
Long Island man accused of faking Purple Hearts, stealing $81K from veterans group
A man dishonorably discharged from the US Army falsely cast himself as a decorated combat veteran and stole tens of thousands of dollars from a veterans organization, prosecutors on the east end of Long Island said Tuesday, the eve of Veterans Day, as they announced criminal charges.
DA: Man Allegedly Faked Military Service, Stole Money from Vets Group - Long Island Life & Politics
A Hampton Bays man was arrested and charged with allegedly fabricating his military service history, submitting falsified military documents to obtain personal and financial benefits and stealing money from the American Legion where he served [...] The post DA: Man Allegedly Faked Military Service, Stole Money from Vets Group appeared first on Long Island Life & Politics.
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