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Poser Sentenced for Faking Military Service

By William Vogeler, Esq. on February 06, 2019 | Last updated on March 21, 2019

You are not supposed to judge a book by its cover, but a mug shot can tell you a lot more.

To see Edward Liroff is to know him. He was booked for posing as a "war hero" to apply for jobs and to obtain other benefits.

He looked a lot better when he was in uniform, even if he wasn't actually in the service. He'll been serving a sentence now.

Military Hero -- Not

Liroff, 47, was charged with stealing government property and making false claims. He pleaded guilty in November, and was sentenced this week.

Judge Robin Rosenberg took a look at Liroff, then gave him four years' probation. She also ordered him to pay more than $4,000 in restitution.

Prosecutors said the defendant falsified a form to verify past military service for benefits, retirement, employment, and membership in veterans organizations. He reportedly padded a resume with claims that he served as an Army Ranger, combat medic, and recruiter with top-secret clearance.

In 2013, he allegedly used the same documents to claim he was awarded two Purple Hearts, the Legion of Merit, and Air Medal of Valor. The Justice Department said he received prescriptions, outpatient, and inpatient services through the ruse.

Social Media Post

Nobody said it in court documents, but Liroff obviously needed help.

He posted a photo of himself on social media, and it's just not the same guy. In his profile shot, he looks like a proud serviceman.

In his mug shot, well, not.

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