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'Fake' Army Ranger in viral video may face federal charges

By Amy R. Connolly
YouTube screenshot courtesy Stolen Valor and Ryan Berk
YouTube screenshot courtesy Stolen Valor and Ryan Berk

PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 2 (UPI) -- A man dressed as a highly decorated Army Ranger at a Philadelphia shopping mall on Black Friday -- and caught on video in a confrontation over his uniform -- may face federal criminal charges.

U.S. Rep. Mike Fitzpatrick sent a letter to Zane Memeger, U.S. attorney for the eastern district of Pennsylvania, to see if the man, if indeed a phony, could be charged under the Stolen Valor Act of 2013, which makes it illegal to pose as a war hero to gain benefits. It is unclear if the man received any military benefits while at the mall. Fitzpatrick, who lives in the Philadelphia area, was a bill cosponsor.

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The incident unfolded when U.S. Army veteran Ryan Berk noticed the man's uniform didn't look right. Berk took out his phone and began asking him questions about his service and uniform, including details about combat patch placement. The video went viral with more than 2 million views.

WARNING: The video of the confrontation below contains strong language.

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