Penalties likely to be expanded

HARRISBURG — Pennsylvania state senators are advancing a bill to expand penalties for people who falsely represent their military record for their personal benefit.

Senators voted unanimously Wednesday to make it a third-degree misdemeanor for someone who falsely claims they were awarded any military decoration or medal. A third-degree misdemeanor is punishable by up to one year in jail.

The bill also would make it a second-degree misdemeanor if that person falsely wears a Congressional Medal of Honor, a Navy Cross, an Air Force Cross, a Silver Star or a Purple Heart. A second-degree misdemeanor is punishable by up to 2 years in jail.

Jury duty fines scam hits Western Pa.

GREENSBURG — A man claiming to be a sheriff’s deputy calling to threaten Western Pennsylvania residents with fines for missing jury duty is running a scam.

So says Westmoreland County Sheriff Jon Held.

Held’s office in Greensburg has been fielding calls from annoyed and alarmed residents since Monday.

The fake deputy has been telling people to buy $500 MoneyGrams at Walmart and to arrange for the money to be wired to him. The caller, who identifies himself as “Deputy Walker,” also threatens anybody who questions him.

The county is warning residents not to give out their personal information.

By The Associated Press