‘Fake’ war hero allegedly posed as wounded Purple Heart recipient while stealing $81K from veterans group

David Agtsteribbe, 58, of Long Island was arrested two days before Veterans Day over allegations that he falsely claimed to be a wounded Purple Heart recipient and stole $81,000 from a veterans’ organization. Suffolk County prosecutors say he altered his military discharge records to gain membership in the Hampton Bays American Legion and a finance role. He had been discharged for bad conduct after about a year of service.