A California man was sentenced to 10 years on probation for lying about his military record when he applied to be the Marietta fire chief, court records showed.
Robert Kenneth Hume, of Campo, Calif., pleaded guilty to forgery and false representation of a veteran. He was also ordered to pay a $500 fine and sentenced as a first offender.
Hume claimed that during his time in the U.S. Army he was awarded medals he did not receive, including a Silver Star, Bronze Star and a Purple Heart. He made the claim last April when he submitted an application to Marietta for the then-vacant fire chief position, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution previously reported.
Hume altered his military discharge paperwork, known as the DD214, to show he had earned numerous military medals, according to police.
Davy Godfrey, Marietta’s director of human resources, is a military veteran himself and said he checked Hume’s credentials after receiving the application. He then reported Hume’s claims to police, who issued an arrest warrant.
“I have very little tolerance for those who claim false military honors,” Godfrey said. “To me, if they’re willing to do something like this, there’s more to it.”
Hume’s probation has been transferred to his home state.
“Mr. Hume is remorseful for his actions and admitted his wrongdoing,” Hume’s attorney, David West, said in an emailed statement. “He wishes to move on from these events and fulfill his obligations to the court in his sentence. He will continue to do so in the coming months and years.”
Tim Milligan, former assistant fire chief, was named Marietta’s chief in June.
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