Alleged Military Imposter Agrees To Plea Deal

RIVERSIDE – The Palm Springs man charged with wearing the military’s highest medals, including the Navy Cross and the Purple Heart, has agreed to plead guilty to one count of unauthorized wearing of military medals or decorations.

Steven Burton agreed to the deal at the Federal Courthouse in Riverside on Friday; the charge carries a maximum sentence of one year in a federal prison. He will enter his plea officially on Monday.

Burton was seen and photographed on several occasions, wearing military uniforms and various medals, despite the fact he’s never served in the military. The medals included the Navy Cross, which is the highest awardgiven by the Department of the Navy,and the Purple Heart, which is given to those wounded in action or killed.

According to an FBI affidavit, a Navy Commander contacted the FBI after she attended her high school reunion and noticed Burton wearing a United States Marine Corps uniform displaying the Navy Cross, the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart and other awards.

Suspicious, the Navy Commander approached Burton and requested to take a photograph with him. During its investigation, the FBI discovered that Burton has recently made internet postings about being a Marine and receiving many commendations and awards.

In his postings, Burton wrote about his “combat experience,” as well as his “service” in Afghanistan and Iraq. Burton posted a picture of himself standing on a beach at Coronado Island wearing the dress uniform of the Marine Corps.