Pennsylvania man accused of stealing money from American Legion post, faking veteran status

SCRANTON, Pa. (WNEP) -- A man has been incarcerated for making faulty purchases and stealing money from American Legion Post 568.

Christopher Crawford allegedly spent nearly $17,000, took personal trips, and used Uber. He's also charged with faking his status as a veteran.

Crawford portrayed himself as a combat veteran claiming he left the service by honorable discharge.

According to the Lackawanna County District Attorney's Office, Crawford went AWOL after two months and 25 days, while he was still in boot camp.

The commander at VFW Post 25 in Scranton said Crawford spent time there for about two years; officials suspect he was lining up similar fraud at that organization.

Crawford offered to help run the VFW before he was even a member, offering to handle finances and recruiting.

Commander James Kuchwara said he couldn't produce proper paperwork to get into the VFW and eventually he stopped coming around.

Crawford is charged with misrepresentation of military service and misrepresentation of a decoration or medal.