Stolen valor bill unanimously passes R.I. Senate
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The stolen valor bill has made it’s way through the R.I. Senate.
State Senators unanimously passed the bill Thursday.
The bill would make it a crime for someone to falsely represent themselves as an active member of the military or a veteran to obtain money or benefits.
The crime would be punishable by a prison sentence up to one year and or a $1,000 fine.
The issue came to light after a Rhode Island woman, Sarah Cavanaugh, claimed she was a military veteran to scam people to donate to a GoFundMe. She is facing federal charges for the alleged scheme.
The Rhode Island bill now heads to the House, which passed a similar measure last week.
