Phony colonel 'got what he's been asking for'

GREENVILLE, N.C. - A man who claimed to be a decorated Marine colonel who fought in Vietnam will now go to jail.

The sentencing of Michael Hamilton happened in federal court in Greenville Wednesday.

Known as the “phony” colonel, Hamilton will spend the next 16 months behind bars and have to pay back money he finagled out of the Veteran’s Administration.  All that, followed by a three year probation that prohibits Hamilton from stepping onto a military base.

The decision is a far cry from the house arrest requested by Hamilton's lawyer.

"He got what he's been asking for, for the past couple of years," said Verl Matthews, Commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart.

During those years, Hamilton falsified documents that allowed him to receive veteran benefits.  He also posed as a Marine colonel during a military ceremony in Jacksonville, wearing a uniform complete with medals that even he admits weren't his.

"I told the investigators that, so there might be a medal up there I didn't earn," said Michael Hamilton.

During the final remarks, Hamilton showed emotion for the first time, breaking down into tears.  A statement prepared by him, read by his attorney, said that during his four months in the Pitt County Detention Center, Hamilton had been assaulted and even received death threats, being told he would be 'taken out.'

"This is the first time any remorse has been showed by Mr. Hamiliton, what-so-ever.  It's a little too late to be remorseful now when a judge is going to impose a sentence on you," said John Cooney, Retired Master Sgt. and Veteran.

For the members of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, the same men who first reported Hamilton, it's a punishment that fits the crime.  A lot less than the more than three year maximum he could have received.

Hamilton will go the federal prison in Butner.  It’s known for its medical facilities.

He'll undergo a psychiatric evaluation there.

Hamilton's lawyer, James Martin, says they will appeal.

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GREENVILLE, N.C. -  The man officials say pretended to be a Marine Corps Colonel has been sentenced to 16 months in prison.

Michael Hamilton will serve his time in a Butner prison.

He also received 3 years of probation.

Hamilton was sentenced on a total of 4 charges; lying to federal officials, falsely wearing a military uniform, and falsely receiving veterans benefits. He also has to pay back $37,000 in benefits.

Hamilton said he would give his uniform to U.S. government. The only thing he asked for in return is his Marine Corps sword that he said he got for his 50^th wedding anniversary.

He also apologized to the court for his actions.

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WILMINGTON, N.C. -The man accused of pretending to be a Marine Corps Colonel, now stands of stealing thousands of dollars from the V.A.

The indictment says Michael Hamilton lied to officials at the Office of Veterans Affairs about injuries sustained during battle and about the medals he recieved during his service.

The US Attorney's office said those lies allowed Hamilton to receive more than $30,000 in disability payments from the Department of Veterans Affairs since 2007.

Hamilton is also charged with lying to federal officials, and falsely wearing a military uniform.

Hamilton, was charged earlier this year, with violating the Stolen Valor Act, after speaking to veterans wearing a number of military decorations the U.S. Attorney says were never issued to him.

In May a Colorado judge ruled that the Stolen Valor Act was unconstitutional because it violated the 1st Amendment.

Today the US Attorneys Office dropped those charges.

Hamiltons court date is set for October 26th.

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Veterans speak out against the man who reportedly posed as a decorated war hero.

Michael Hamilton made his first appearance in federal court today, two months after speaking to veterans wearing a number of military decorations the U.S. Attorney says were never issued to him.

The big question today was Hamilton's sanity.

A smug Michael Hamilton left the federal courthouse with his lawyer and wife by his side, but wasn't speaking to the media.

The U.S. Attorney says that wearing medals he didn't earn means Hamilton violated the Stolen Valor Act.

That's a charge that gets under the skin of some area veterans.

“I just don't understand, he need psychiatric help, he really does,” said Kevin Howell.  He’s a member of the Jacksonville chapter of the Purple Heart Association.

Howell acknowledges that Hamilton needs help.  But he and other veterans made the trip from Jacksonville to Wilmington Monday to see justice happen for themselves.

Inside the courthouse today, the U.S. Attorney asked for an expedited competency hearing to verify Hamilton's sanity.

Hamilton's attorney assured the judge that Hamilton was competent to stand trial, but may not have been at the time of the offense.

The U.S. Attorney even acknowledged that media interviews, like when Hamilton talked with Nine On Your Side, were a sign that he may not be taking these charges serious enough.

For local veterans the case is outrageous.  But they are not without a little advice for Hamilton too.

If found guilty, Hamilton could face up to four years in prison and several hundred thousand dollars in fines.

Hamilton's next court date hasn't been set.