Veteran who lied about Purple Heart status sentenced for stolen valor, wire fraud
Share and Follow


NEWBURGH, N.Y. (WTEN/WXXA) — A New York military veteran who lied about the displacement of 20 veterans and being a Purple Heart recipient has been sentenced to time in prison for wire fraud and stolen valor charges.

Sharon Toney-Finch, from Newburgh, New York, was sentenced to one year and one day in prison, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Toney-Finch pleaded guilty in March to the charges. With the guilty plea, she admitted to obtaining about $85,000 through the Yerik Israel Toney Foundation by claiming to help veterans in need, when in reality she used donated money to tend to her own personal expenses.

She also admitted to lying about her military service, including claiming to have been injured in an explosion in Iraq and having received a Purple Heart and Valor Award, per the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

In addition to the one-year and one-day sentence, Toney-Finch will serve three years of supervised release. She is also ordered to pay $84,000 in restitution and $85,000 in forfeiture.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like

Urgent Recall: Metal Contamination Found in Shredded Cheese Sold at Florida Supermarkets

An alert from the Food and Drug Administration has advised consumers to…

Sarasota County Unveils Strategic Plan for Reopening Midnight Pass

SARASOTA, Fla. (WFLA) — After being closed for over 40 years, Midnight…

New Bill Proposes to Limit DeSantis’ Authority on Immigration Policies

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WFLA) — In Tallahassee, the debate over immigration policy is…

Flooded Hopes: Court Dismisses Stone Island Residents’ Lawsuit Against Deltona

DELTONA, Fla. – A recent legal battle alleging that the city of…

Raccoon Breaks into Virginia Liquor Store, Found Sleeping Off Booze in Bathroom

by: Katelyn Harlow Posted: Dec 2, 2025 / 11:17 PM EST Updated:…

Shredded Cheese Sold in Illinois Recalled Over Potential Metal Contamination

In a recent alert, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is advising…

Decatur Area Arts Council Launches Initiatives to Empower Local Artists

DECATUR, Ill. (WCIA) — A Macon County organization is inviting community members…

New Zealand Man Allegedly Consumes Faberge Pendant Modeled After Bond Film, as Authorities Await Proof

WELLINGTON – In a rather unusual case in New Zealand, authorities find…