Police say North GA man charged with receiving money from stolen valor

Police in North Georgia says a man is facing charges after fraudulently obtaining donations from a non-profit. The Lavonia Police Department says Michael Walker had informed the Hart County Animal Rescue that he was a homeless Vietnam veteran.

He also told them he had been sleeping on a bench in a parking lot for the last year and that his wife had died from Covid. Police say the rescue then started fundraising efforts.

A TV news story about Walker then led to thousands of dollars being raised. Police say Walker eventually admitted that he was lying about being a veteran. His wife also is apparently still living.

Walker was arrested and is charged with theft by deception and obstructing law enforcement.