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CRUZ-PÉREZ STOLEN VALOR ACT APPROVED BY GENERAL ASSEMBLY

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News & Releases Nilsa Cruz-Perez

(TRENTON) – Senator Nilsa Cruz-Pérez (D-Camden/Gloucester) Stolen Valor Act was approved by the General Assembly yesterday. Bill S2704 would make the knowing misrepresentation of oneself as a veteran or member of the military for the purpose of obtaining money, property, or other benefit a crime of the third degree, with a mandatory minimum fine of $1,000.

“It is deplorable that someone would impersonate a veteran to take advantage of goods and services provided to them,” said Senator Cruz-Pérez. “The men and women of the United States Armed Forces have already given us the greatest gift we could ask for – their commitment to defending our freedom at all costs.”

Individuals wearing the uniform, any medal or insignia authorized for the use of members or veterans of the United Armed Forces or the organized militia would be subject to the fine, as would those making false statements regarding themselves as a recipient of any decoration or medal of the Armed Forces or organized militia.

“Putting on a uniform you didn’t earn for personal gain makes a mockery of every soldier who has ever served,” Senator Cruz-Pérez added.

The Stolen Valor Act was approved by the General Assembly by a vote of 74-0.

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