Cabazon Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possessing Fake Military Identification Card
| U.S. Attorney’s Office December 02, 2010 |
RIVERSIDE, CA—A Cabazon man has pleaded guilty and been sentenced to six months in federal prison for possessing a fake U.S. Army identification card.
Joseph Kelly Baca, 46, was sentenced yesterday afternoon by United States Magistrate Judge David T. Bristow. In addition to the six-month term of imprisonment—the maximum penalty under federal law—Judge Bristow ordered Baca to serve three years of probation.
Baca, who was discharged from the Navy in 1982 for unsatisfactory performance after serving for only three months, admitted that he possessed a U.S. Army identification card that he created himself, knowing that he was not allowed to manufacture or possess the document.
Baca was sentenced yesterday, one day after pleading guilty to a misdemeanor charge of possessing a fake military identification card.
According to evidence provided in court, Baca used the fake military identification card to identify himself to a police officer in August. At that time, Baca was also illegally wearing an Army uniform and military medals that had not been awarded to him, including the Silver Star and Purple Heart.
The Silver Star is one of the highest medals awarded to military personnel “for gallantry in action.” The Purple Heart is awarded for being wounded or killed in action against an enemy of the United States.
The case against Baca was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, which received assistance from the San Bernardino Police Department.
CONTACT: Assistant United States Attorney Charles E. Pell
(951) 276-6104