NBC Nightly News chief anchor and managing editor Brian Williams may have been suspended without pay for six months when the “memory” of his Chinook helicopter being “hit and crippled by enemy fire” in Iraq in 2003, failed him; but, today, a St Johns County man is facing criminal charges for his false military service claims.
Historic City News has learned that a 65-year-old Elkton resident was arrested after he attempted to obtain a Florida driver’s license under false pretenses — pretending to be a decorated Navy veteran.
“In January, Lloyd Keith Mitchell, who resides at 4889 Las Floras Court, submitted a forged military discharge form to obtain “Veteran” status on his driver’s license,” sheriff’s spokesman Kevin R. Kelshaw told local reporters. “Because of false statements made on the sworn application for the license, Mitchell has also been charged with perjury earlier this afternoon.”
The discharge papers listed Mitchell as the recipient of the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star, the Silver Star with clusters, and the Vietnam Medal of Honor.
Mitchell was released from custody at the St Johns County Detention Facility just about an hour and 30-minutes after being processed. He posted a $2,500 appearance bond for using false information to obtain a driver’s license, and an additional $500 bond for perjury after making a false affidavit.
Over the past month detectives have accumulated evidence that Mitchell has been presenting himself as a retired Admiral; making numerous statements that he served in the Navy with various units.
On Veteran’s Day, Mitchell reportedly made an hour-long presentation at Coquina Crossing. He told the audience about his service in the U.S. Navy and his actions following the September 11th attacks.
Detectives contacted the Naval Criminal Intelligence Service post at Mayport Naval Station and learned that not only did Mitchell not serve in the U.S. Navy, there is no record of him ever serving in any military branch.