‘If you con people out of donations, you have to pay for your crimes’: Victim of Sarah Cavanaugh’s military scam speaks out

Legislation penalizing stolen valor passes Senate Committee

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Six months ago, former U.S. Marine Charlie Masterson helped who he thought was a fellow service member in need.

Sarah Cavanaugh, 31, claimed she was a former marine, who was also a Purple Heart and Bronze Star recipient.

Cavanaugh collected donations to help with her battle against lung cancer, but it was all a lie. It was part of a scam that collected more than $200,000.

A scam Masterson said was very convincing.

“The bad thing about it was I have 300 dollars, and I wish I gave more. There were people who gave even more than that over thousands…I was flabbergasted, the story was that compelling,” Masterson said.

Lawmakers are proposing legislation that would penalize anyone for lying about military service.

The bill passed committee Tuesday night and now moves to the Senate floor.