A New Jersey man has admitted that he lied about being a Vietnam War POW in order to receive gifts in return for his previous service.
Robert Guidi, 67, of Mine Hill admitted that he received a $31,919 deck built on his home and gifts of a hunting trip to Tennessee and a hunting bow through deception and violating the state’s Stolen Valor Act.
Guidi pleaded guilty before Superior Court Judge Paul Armstrong to two counts of theft by deception and one count of violating the state’s Stolen Valor Act by purposely deceiving the Wounded Warriors in Action Foundation and the Morris County Veterans Service Office so that he could receive goods and benefits.
Guidi served in a clerical position as an Army private during the Vietnam War, but falsely claimed that he was a Green Beret, earned a Purple Heart, completed military airborne school and training at Quantico and Langley, and was a prisoner of war, according to the Daily Record.
After getting arrested in January 2016, Guidi spent more than eight months in the Morris County jail before getting released with pending charges.
The Daily Record reports prosecutors will recommend Guidi be sentenced to three years in prison and pay $31,919 in restitution when he’s sentenced in May. His lawyer, Neill Hamilton wants Guidi placed on long-term probation.
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