Teen accused of faking Air Force service - Military News | News From Afghanistan, Iraq And Around The World - Military Times

Teen accused of faking Air Force service

CROSSVILLE, Tenn. — A California teen has been arrested and charged with criminal impersonation in eastern Tennessee for allegedly fooling businesses into thinking he was an airman to get discounts and other perks.

The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Department arrested 19-year-old Damian Paul Castillo of Anderson, Calif., last week on 25 counts of fraudulent use of a credit card, six counts of violation of the bad check law and one count of criminal impersonation.

Sheriff’s Investigator Ben Waller said Castillo is accused of passing himself off as a member of the Air Force by wearing a military uniform. He’s also accused of bilking nine businesses out of more than $14,102. Investigators say the Air Force confirmed he had never enlisted.

Some of the alleged scams included getting plane tickets upgraded, shopping tax-free or getting a military discount. Investigators said he is also accused of using a credit card that was not valid and writing bad checks from another fraudulent account.