Traynor hands down harsh sentence in stolen valor case

Historic City News has learned that 66-year-old Lloyd Keith Mitchell of Elkton was sentenced today by Judge Michael Traynor on charges that he attempted to obtain a Florida driver’s license while pretending to be a decorated Navy veteran and perjury. Mitchell pled no contest.

Obtaining a driver’s license with fraudulent information is a third-degree felony and is punishable by up to five years in prison. Perjury is a first-degree misdemeanor and is punishable by up to one year in the county jail.

“In January, Lloyd 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 Historic City News reporters. “Because of false statements made on the sworn application for the license, Mitchell was also charged with perjury.”

On Veteran’s Day in 2014, 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. Today, Judge Traynor ordered Mitchell to return a red, white and blue afghan given to him by the Coquina Crossing Veterans Association after that presentation.

Mitchell was sentenced during the Thursday proceedings to serve a 36-month probation for his crimes, was ordered to write a letter of apology to the Coquina Crossing Veterans Association, to complete 100 hours of community service, and to pay $500 to the Wounded Warrior Project and to pay $500 to Clyde E. Lassen State Veterans Nursing Home on SR-16.