A convicted con artist has been sentenced after pleading guilty to theft over $10,000 Thursday.
According to the Office of the District Attorney General, Donald Jerden Hunley, 41, admitted to lying about his military service to steal from veterans.
Judge Bob McGee sentenced Hunley to 10 years with service of one year in the Knox County Jail. Hunley must also repay $10,314.145 to the American Legion Post #2, according to the DA's office.
In December 2015, Hunley joined the American Legion Post #2 claiming to be a decorated veteran, Sergeant, and victim of combat-related posttraumatic stress disorder. However, the DA's office said in reality, Hunley lasted five weeks in the military and was medically discharged before he even completed basic training.
Hunley was able to obtain leadership positions in the Post based on his lies. Due to those positions, he was able to access the Post's bank accounts.
"Knoxville Police Department Investigator Kelli Randolph was able to uncover that Hunley stole over $10,000 from the veterans of the Post," the DA's office said.
In 2007, Hunley went to churches in Jefferson County and told a story abut being an Army Ranger, sniper, and decorated veteran who received an American flag from First Lady Laura Bush when he was airlifted to Walter Reed Medical Center. By sharing that story, he was able to collect $7,000.
He was convicted in 2008 for that.
“This brazen criminal didn't just steal money,” said DA Charme Allen. “He preyed upon
the sacred trust that exists between veterans.”
According to the DA's office, Hunley has four prior felony convictions including fraud, theft, and identity theft out of Jefferson County, Tennessee and Allen, Indiana.