ST. LOUIS, Mo. (KMOV.com) – A local Iraq War veteran has been sentenced after being convicted for stealing money that was meant for other veterans.
William Harshbarger pleaded guilty to more than six charges including forgery and stealing. Harshbarger was often seen outside grocery stores or big box stores, seeking donations. He also took part in fundraisers where he received hundreds of dollars.
Police said he was caught after a St. Charles County woman made a $30 donation, but Harshbarger altered the check to make it appear it was for $300. Harshbarger later deposited the check into account he used for himself. The woman then alerted the Wounded Warrior Project about the amount of the check.
A veteran at a VFW post in St. Charles told News 4 that Harshbarger’s actions put a doubt in the public’s mind when they consider making a donation to a veteran’s group. “If you donate $200 here (to VFW) or to the veteran’s home or to the VA hospital or something, they may think ‘how much is really going to them?’" said Billy Sams.
A spokesman with the Wounded Warrior Project sent News 4 a statement, which in part said,
“The organization relies on the generosity of donors and is passionate about preserving their trust and protecting donor intent, which Mr. Harshbarger eroded with his fraudulent and egregious theft.” The organization said it agrees with the sentence the court handed down.
