Sumner resident Steven A. Bennest, 57, was sentenced last week in a Seattle courtroom following his federal conviction for making false claims of military medals and decorations in violation of federal law.

In 2008, Bennest – a former reserve officer for the Pacific Police Department – made multiple claims for military compensation, alleging he had received a Purple Heart and Bronze Star due to heroic military service and sustained post-traumatic stress disorder, court documents state.

Documents show Bennest served in the U.S. Army between 1969 and 1972, but was not awarded either medal.

Retired Air National Guard Serviceman Steve Pennington testified in court that he recalled observing Bennest wearing multiple false medals, including a Purple Heart, that he had not earned.

Pennington said Bennest claimed to have served in the elite Special Forces on “classified missions.”

He told the court that Bennest’s actions were “demeaning to all servicemen, but especially those who lost their lives as soldiers.”

The Bronze Star is awarded to soldiers who make an “extraordinary contribution to the United States’ national defense.”

The Purple Heart is awarded to soldiers who achieve valor and are “wounded in combat by hostile fire.”

U.S. Magistrate Judge Brian A. Tsuchida said Bennest’s conduct was “shameful and hurtful to other soldiers” and sentenced the defendant to 24 months probation. As part of his probation, the Sumner man was ordered to perform community service work and to participate in a structured U.S. Probation program known as “moral reconation therapy,” designed to help those with trouble recognizing right from wrong.

This matter came to the attention of federal prosecutors as a result of complaints from the public indicating that Bennest was wearing unearned military medals and making false claims regarding military service.

This case was prosecuted as part of “Operation Stolen Valor,” an ongoing initiative by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, designed to identify those making false claims of military service and committing monetary fraud upon the United States.

The case was investigated by Veterans Affairs in Seattle and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ronald J. Friedman.

Reach Dannie Oliveaux at doliveaux@courierherald.com or 360-802-8209.