Scottsdale man convicted for posing as Marine

PHOENIX - A Scottsdale man who apparently posed as a decorated Marine was convicted on Tuesday.

John W. Rodriguez, 31, was convicted in Maricopa County Superior Court on charges of forgery and fraudulent schemes.

According to the Arizona Attorney General’s Office, between 2005-2010 Rodriguez regularly wore the uniform of a decorated U.S. Marine Corps sergeant,

According to a news release from the Attorney General's Office, Rodriguez posed as a Marine at public functions and even signed documents claiming to be on active duty.

Rodriguez also listed military status when seeking employment and attended political events in uniform, claiming he was a war hero, according to the release.

A search of Department of the Navy and Department of Defense records, however, found that Rodriguez never served in any branch of the military, according to the Attorney General's Office.

After the Department of Public Safety and Department of Defense conducted an investigation of his claims, investigators found numerous Marine Corps uniforms, insignia, medals, ribbons and receipts for their purchase said the Attorney General’s Office.

The jury found Rodriguez guilty of five counts of fraudulent schemes and artifices, four counts of forgery, two counts of fraudulent schemes and practices, and one count of presentment of a false instrument for filing.

According to the release, Rodriguez did not show up for his trial, and a warrant was issued.

Rodriguez will be sentenced on a date set by the court after he is taken into custody, according to the Attorney General’s Office.