'War Hero' Accused of Stolen Valor Bought Medals Online: Feds

As Sarah Jane Cavanaugh tells it, she earned a Purple Heart “for actions in Afghanistan,” and a bronze star with a “V” for valor. From handing out awards to acting as master of ceremonies, she certainly seemed like a true war hero. But there’s one small problem: the Marines told Inside Edition there’s no record of her serving in the military at all, let alone earning all those medals.

[twiztedlettesl]

Absolutely disgusting that someone could take that honor away from our veterans. That is absolutely no way to pay them back for their service.

[bradykim]

It’s honestly just shameful that this woman thinks she can claim to have been injured and gotten cancer from a “heroic sacrifice” she never made, and still get away with it. Some people’s kids.

[ngqeqzc]

One look at her salute tells me she never served.

[slothmarathonpromotions]

How someone has the gall to even attempt something like this is beyond belief.

[Tvearris]

Stolen Valor is terrible but this is also incredibly fascinating. That a person is capable of just full on putting on an act like this is psychologically bizarre.

[Awesomifier]

As veteran, I am truly disgusted that a person like this actually survived all of these allegations.

[denisewood]

My Brother seen action in Vietnam, he handled the radio, seen his best friend killed. He came home and wasn't the same. I cannot imagine what he seen or others have seen during wars. Some came home some didn't. I'm proud of him and so many others who actually served and serving. This was definitely stolen Valor. My Brother is so much better, loving, kind, generous, a good provider and volunteers at the only VA hospital for several states, Albuquerque NM. He is the youngest vet, 75. Thank you again

[georgecamero]

Why did her family members never speak up about this?

[nottherock]

It’s really frustrating that someone would do that, that’s disrespectful to marines who risked their lives in a daily basis and deserve those medals and achievements.

[edgleason]

It's okay to be an ordinary person. It certainly beats being called out as a liar, especially from the heights from which this imposter fell.

[jeepcjb]

As a Vet. There should be held accountable. Actions have consequences, this is a very serious issues. She should pay back every dollar.

[christopherrobinson]

So many negative emotions bubble up from seeing this. The lies, the deception, the grift and the absolute gall to “collect donations” from people who genuinely believed she was a Combat veteran. Seems elaborate, well thought out and lots of planning and “keeping a story” straight, whilst wearing a uniform and Purple Heart, - knowing she hadn’t done those things. Just blows my mind. I served 98-02, USN - Petty Officer 2nd class USS Tarawa (LHA-1)

[alter]

For those that aren’t aware. The paperwork she used and forged to legitimize her service were taken from various real veterans and active service members including DD-214s. Hence why she was charged with identity theft.

[prettybabyelephant]

This is terrible that she would do this! All the people that actually have served and died for our country!!!!

[nepabaddrivers]

she got 6 years finally a judge and prosecutor getting it done

[FTTBALL]

So she saying that she was a Corprol and she wearing staff sergeant rank then she said she was a post commander which is a position that can only be held by an officer? How was anyone fooled by her?

[blueman]

Yeah, that "for actions in Afghanistan" immediately stood out to me. A purple heart isn't awarded for actions, and no one that legitimately received a purple heart would ever phrase it like that.

[jaredblanke]

She was sentenced to 6 years in federal prison, earlier this year. Good stuff.

[crystalsherman]

She is a jerk. What's even worse is how the military didn't check her out and let her get away with it. Smh

[myrchantkobold]

She ended up getting 70 months jailtime.