UTICA (AP) -- A northern New York man has been put on probation for lying about time he supposedly spent on patrol for the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.
U.S. Richard Hartunian says 36-year-old Patrick M. O'Brien of Massena filed bogus vouchers with the federal government claiming he'd done 75 shore patrols along the St. Lawrence River in 2006 and 2007. He was paid more than $12,000 for mileage reimbursements he wasn't entitled to.
O'Brien pleaded guilty to theft of government money. In addition to five years on probation, he was sentenced last week to repay the money, do 100 hours of community service and serve five months of home detention.
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