Man Guilty for Bank Fraud, Faking Combat Service

A New Hampshire man who claimed to be a combat veteran with a Purple Heart and conned several banks out of millions is headed to federal prison.

Foster's Daily Democrat reports 28-year-old Christopher Bailey pleaded guilty in April to bank fraud, false representation of military decorations and medals and other charges. He was sentenced to 33 months in prison.

Prosecutors said Bailey applied for loans based on the false pretense he managed a 100-acre farm and planned to use loan funds for agricultural assets.

The Rollinsford man scammed at least 10 banks out of more than $1.6 million over a nearly five-year period.

U.S. Assistant Attorney Bill Morse says he counterfeited military records to show he served in Iraq and Afghanistan to gain sympathy from loan officers.