Rhode Island woman wore a uniform with a Purple Heart and sought help as a veteran with cancer. She'd never served in the military.

Thu, 03/16/2023 - 05:00

Sarah Cavanaugh sits in full Marine uniform in front of a Purple Heart Display — Sarah Cavanaugh at an event in August 2021, before she was charged with fraud for falsifying a persona as a veteran.
The Independent via court records

Sarah Jane Cavanaugh of Rhode Island has been sentenced to nearly six years in prison.
Cavanaugh pleaded guilty in August to wire fraud and other charges related to forging documents.
Prosecutors allege she used her position working with veterans to falsify her own documents and medical history.

A Rhode Island woman has been sentenced to just under six years in prison for posing as a veteran who was injured in combat, then collecting hundreds of thousands in benefits and charitable donations.