"Robert Joseph “PegLeg” Jones, Fake Ranger, Solicits Money From Others"

RallyPoint Shared Content — Wed, 19 Aug 2015 15:00:34 -0400

From: Guardian of Valor

Louisville, Kentucky – Over the years we have tackled many cases, but this one was one of those that I wish I didn’t have to do. About six months ago, Robert Jones started showing up in a lot of the Veterans groups and pages on Facebook. He was always posting about his ailments and his service overseas. He befriended a lot of the high profile Veterans including Dale Comstock, Michael Schlitz, Mat Best, and myself.

He was admitted to a group called OIF/OEF Nation, which is a group for those who have served in Operation Iraqi Freedom or Enduring Freedom. He began making claims of being a Ranger, and befriended several Ranger’s in the community. He also began telling his stories of how he was always sick from CPRS(Complex Regional Pain Syndrome), and that he was always in the hospital. He complained he couldn’t find a job, and that he needed money to pay bills and other things, so of course the Veteran community stood up and began raising money for him. It is hard to tell exactly how much money was raised, but he would also post his own GoFundme’s and of course people would donate.

I had a gut feeling about him, but I let it slide and passed it off as just too many years doing this. He was always using his lost leg as a way to promote himself, his bracelets, and shirts he had made through our friends at GruntStyle. I asked him one day, how he lost his leg and he told me he lost it in a job accident after he served, what bothered me is he allowed the perception to stay that he lost his leg while serving. He was a Veteran with a disability, not a disabled Veteran which means two different things. Again, I let it go as being overly cautious due to my daily dealings with fake vets.

Then, Tyler Bergseid, the creator of OIF/OEF Nation came to me and asked a question about Robert, which made me think I wasn’t being to cautious, as he too was suspect of Robert and his intentions. Tyler then brought in another admin that had also become suspicious of Robert and his fundraising, Diana Hicks. Diana also helped tremendously with this case, collecting lots of evidence.

So we began an investigation, and would come to find out that Robert was making claims of being a Ranger and telling people that he couldn’t remember a lot about being one because of his brain injury. Several Rangers jumped on board to help flush him out, we got tons of screenshots where he claims Ranger.

He even had our friends over at Grunt Style create a shirt with his image in which he was going to make money from, once we made them aware he was a fraud they removed the shirt and have offered to replace the shirt for anyone that purchased it, with any shirt from their website. You can contact Grunt Style and send them the shirt back for your replacement. We have been informed that all proceeds that Jones was supposed to get for the shirts that were sold have been donated to a charity by Grunt Style, so that Jones wouldn’t receive the funds from the shirt.

He scammed a lot of people, using the perception that he was a wounded warrior. We got his records and confirmed he only served one month at Fort Jackson before being put out on a entry level discharge.

We setup a phone call with Robert to let him know we found out the truth, this call was attended by Tyler and Diana from OIF/OEF Nation and myself. Once confronted he tried to use names of Rangers that he thought verified him, we informed him that they knew he was a fake and were taking screenshots of the conversations. He then claimed he had memory loss from losing his leg and thought he remember being a Ranger and being in combat. He finally hung up the phone after we told him we didn’t believe that excuse.

After we went public, he posted what he considered an apology to his personal page again blaming it on his memory again. We tried to tell him that the Military community wouldn’t take kindly to his excuse after scamming thousands and the comments on his post showed the anger in the community.

He then sent a message to us and said his mom told him he has Multiple Personality Disorder and that he would try to pay back all the money he scammed from everyone. We have tons of screenshots, photos and a recording of the conversation we had with him where we asked him to come clean that we will update on this article soon. We wanted to get this out so no one else would fall victim to his scams as he has taken thousands of dollars at this point.

To see his conversations and justification, go here: http://guardianofvalor.com/robert-joseph-pegleg-jones-fake-ranger-solicits-money-from-others/

Robert Joseph “PegLeg” Jones, Fake Ranger, Solicits Money From Others

Louisville, Kentucky - Over the years we have tackled many cases, but this one was one of those that I wish I didn't have to do. About six months ago, Robert Jones started showing up in a lot of the Veterans groups and pages on Facebook. He was always posting about his ailments and his service overseas. He befriended a lot of the high profile Veterans including Dale Comstock, Michael Schlitz, Mat Best, and myself. He was admitted to a...

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Aug 19 at 2015 3:09 PM

CSM Michael J. Uhlig — Wed, 19 Aug 2015 15:09:55 -0400

Prosecute this guy and send him to prison! Its disgusting and seems like this behavior is happening more often these days....the fact that he claims his mom diagnosed him with multiple personalities does not forgive his actions. I hope he is being charged with Stolen Valor as this is a classic case of it here! Too many Veterans have served and paid the ultimate sacrifice, and many more have served and sacrificed the best of their lives for this country for someone (especially with some prior service) to behave like this! Prosecute him!

Response by CMSgt Mark Schubert made Aug 19 at 2015 4:22 PM

CMSgt Mark Schubert — Wed, 19 Aug 2015 16:22:00 -0400

Is his Mom a DR? The only disorder this guy has is dumbass disease! There is nothing wrong with this guy other than he's a lazy con artist. If you have brains enough to think about how to bilk hundreds of people out of thousand (or tens of thousands) of dollars, you are not insane and you don't have any disorders or diseases.
Prosecute this dirt bag/jack wagon!

Response by MSgt Roger Younce made Aug 19 at 2015 8:36 PM

MSgt Roger Younce — Wed, 19 Aug 2015 20:36:36 -0400

I am surprised he could even spell "Ranger".

Response by MSgt Jamie Lyons made Aug 19 at 2015 9:29 PM

MSgt Jamie Lyons — Wed, 19 Aug 2015 21:29:20 -0400

Send the 2 new female Rangers to pay him a visit....

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Aug 19 at 2015 9:38 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Wed, 19 Aug 2015 21:38:36 -0400

Someone should kick his ass.

Response by SGT DelRay Davis made Aug 19 at 2015 10:21 PM

SGT DelRay Davis — Wed, 19 Aug 2015 22:21:40 -0400

I have to say, I know several vets whom have been helped by people who knew they struggled.

I know none who would straight up go out and beg for money.

Response by LTC Bink Romanick made Aug 19 at 2015 10:36 PM

LTC Bink Romanick — Wed, 19 Aug 2015 22:36:46 -0400

Asshole

Response by TSgt Marco McDowell made Aug 20 at 2015 2:30 AM

TSgt Marco McDowell — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 02:30:18 -0400

He just sucks.

Response by Cpl Tou Lee Yang made Aug 20 at 2015 2:35 AM

Cpl Tou Lee Yang — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 02:35:27 -0400

I remember this dude, he was part of the crew when we were being attacked by the Klingon on Ceres...he forgot to show his patch.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2015 3:08 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 03:08:30 -0400

No self respecting Ranger would ever wear a hat like that.

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Aug 20 at 2015 9:18 AM

SSgt Alex Robinson — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 09:18:01 -0400

Lock this creep in jail.

Response by SrA Jeremy Roy made Aug 21 at 2015 11:29 AM

SrA Jeremy Roy — Fri, 21 Aug 2015 11:29:05 -0400

Jesus, this clown is still going at it?

Response by SFC Jon Vandeyacht made Aug 21 at 2015 1:50 PM

SFC Jon Vandeyacht — Fri, 21 Aug 2015 13:50:48 -0400

The sad thing, not that there are posers out there doing this, is that for every one of these, there are 5 fewer people that will be willing to donate to the real ones in the future. Not only did he Fraud people out of money on a fake sss claim, he frauded many future real Wounded Warriors out of potential donations. This has 3 and 4rth level order of effects.
I was injured both down range and at home. I have mild TBI from both downrange and at home. I understand memory problems, oh do I ever, BUT, I also know how the memory problems work. Struggles with names, simple words, small details on past events. In no way shape or form have I completely forgot an entire deployment or that I had never served as a secret squirrel who killed Bin Laden while taking Saddam hostage with my gold plated AK.... Wait, that didn't happen?......
I Love you guys for finding and flushing this guy out. One less faker saves future vets who really need help....and most of them never ask for help.
Lastly, what disappoints me the most, is more and more of the fakers and posers out there getting caught, actually served.....Of all people, they should know we will find out....
Thank You...

Response by SPC Anthony Weisenberger made Aug 21 at 2015 2:05 PM

SPC Anthony Weisenberger — Fri, 21 Aug 2015 14:05:45 -0400

I hate people.

Response by SGT Patrick Reno made Aug 21 at 2015 3:56 PM

SGT Patrick Reno — Fri, 21 Aug 2015 15:56:05 -0400

What a pile of shit. He should be prosecuted under the Stolen Valor law.

Response by CW4 Andrew Carson made Aug 22 at 2015 11:18 AM

CW4 Andrew Carson — Sat, 22 Aug 2015 11:18:22 -0400

Stolen Valor. Prosecute the POS.

Response by CW5 Joe Tygart made Aug 22 at 2015 10:23 PM

CW5 Joe Tygart — Sat, 22 Aug 2015 22:23:45 -0400

The Stolen Valor Act, which makes it a federal crime for people to pass themselves off as war heroes by wearing medals they didn't rightfully earn, etc. The law includes such a provision, making it illegal to make the claims with the intent to obtain money, property or other tangible benefits. 18 months in Guantanamo and deport to Syria. HOOAH!

Response by SSG Tony S himmel made Aug 23 at 2015 11:48 AM

SSG Tony S himmel — Sun, 23 Aug 2015 11:48:24 -0400

I believe anyone attempting , or actually "stealing the HONOR " of our service men/women should be charged with FRAUD!!!! Then let actual service men/women deal out the punishment, as they see fit. I was never in combat, ETSed April 1990. But seeing someone that try's to impersonate a combat vet, makes my blood boil. Thank you to all who have risked everything they hold dear so I can post this rant. Tony Schimmel

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 23 at 2015 8:57 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 23 Aug 2015 20:57:00 -0400

People like this need to go to jail.

Response by PO1 Glenn Billiet made Aug 24 at 2015 2:07 AM

PO1 Glenn Billiet — Mon, 24 Aug 2015 02:07:31 -0400

What crap I am a disabled navy vet non combat related and I couldn't get help with struggling bills etc to sabe my ass this pos gets thousands and I had to borrow thousands from my mom just to keep a roif over my head things are better now and going forward but still back two to three months on water gas electric etc have about 3500 in medical bills for wife's cancer treatment the gi bill screwed me out of two years worth about 25k and I still have 50k in defaulted student loans been 15 years and still fighting va for rating but this pos a hole gets cash prosecute this pos and lets prosecute all of them

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 24 at 2015 5:28 AM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 Aug 2015 05:28:41 -0400

People like him need to be removed from the states. To many disrespectful shammers of life who want what we earned

Response by SGT Ronald Crow made Aug 24 at 2015 10:02 AM

SGT Ronald Crow — Mon, 24 Aug 2015 10:02:02 -0400

Very disrespectful to all Veterans.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Aug 24 at 2015 3:55 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Mon, 24 Aug 2015 15:55:16 -0400

He sure has a bright smile for a broken soldier.

Response by PO1 Sojourner "Chancy" Phillips made Aug 24 at 2015 6:08 PM

PO1 Sojourner "Chancy" Phillips — Mon, 24 Aug 2015 18:08:23 -0400

He needs to go to jail. Swindling is stealing. Good job flushing him out.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 24 at 2015 6:33 PM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 Aug 2015 18:33:42 -0400

I am a disappointment to my family by being the only male in my family to not serve at least 4 years active duty since 1885, this person (not man) can claim that he has served in combat AS A RANGER is a disappointment and a disgrace to the men that have served and have served for years in denial of their accomplishments and combat bravery. The fact that this person can claim things that people have suppressed for years is a absolute slap in the face to the people that have sacrificed everything for no glory. The true men did it out of Duty, Honor, and Country. Not for glory or recognize. I Salute all true men out there

Response by Sgt Ram Sandate made Aug 24 at 2015 8:10 PM

Sgt Ram Sandate — Mon, 24 Aug 2015 20:10:29 -0400

Some people will never know the brotherhood we go through and it's sad that they take advantage of it as a game

Response by LCpl John Filiatrault made Aug 24 at 2015 8:21 PM

LCpl John Filiatrault — Mon, 24 Aug 2015 20:21:41 -0400

I'm sorry but guys like that piss me off to no end. I know of one oerson locally who tries the same garbage. But everyone just lets it go. I take great pride in EARNING my title of Marine, and when people who have never done anything to deserve it go around claiming they are just sets me off. We have got to put an end to this. I know I will do whatever it takes to end it, and I will definitely call out anybody who trys to ckaim they are something they aren't. If they want the title then EARN IT!

Response by TSgt Steven Yingling made Aug 24 at 2015 9:12 PM

TSgt Steven Yingling — Mon, 24 Aug 2015 21:12:00 -0400

Dirt bag

Response by PO2 Shaun Meehan made Aug 24 at 2015 9:27 PM

PO2 Shaun Meehan — Mon, 24 Aug 2015 21:27:45 -0400

there should be something done about ppl like this...

Response by 1SG David Lopez made Aug 24 at 2015 11:25 PM

1SG David Lopez — Mon, 24 Aug 2015 23:25:54 -0400

The nerve of that POS!

Response by SPC David Young made Aug 25 at 2015 8:07 AM

SPC David Young — Tue, 25 Aug 2015 08:07:46 -0400

Unbelievable! Are there any steps being taken to prosecute this fake?

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Aug 25 at 2015 10:52 AM

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Tue, 25 Aug 2015 10:52:18 -0400

You can't make this stuff up

Response by CPL Randy Bautista made Aug 25 at 2015 12:05 PM

CPL Randy Bautista — Tue, 25 Aug 2015 12:05:16 -0400

Stolen valor at its finest jail that's what I say

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 25 at 2015 12:08 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 25 Aug 2015 12:08:32 -0400

Herr is the problem i have with this guy. He makes it harder for vets with legitimate problems.

Response by PV2 Miguel Gonzalez made Aug 25 at 2015 9:11 PM

PV2 Miguel Gonzalez — Tue, 25 Aug 2015 21:11:48 -0400

Send the new female rangers to kick his ass

Response by SSgt Raymond Sirois made Aug 26 at 2015 11:39 AM

SSgt Raymond Sirois — Wed, 26 Aug 2015 11:39:31 -0400

This guy needs to be drug behind a pickup flying the Confederate Battle flag for a few miles. I'd volunteer to do it, but I'm afraid I'd have difficulties finding one here in Wyoming...

Response by FN Mike McCormack made Aug 26 at 2015 9:14 PM

FN Mike McCormack — Wed, 26 Aug 2015 21:14:29 -0400

I'd like to break his other effin leg!

Response by SGT Michael McKeown made Aug 26 at 2015 9:54 PM

SGT Michael McKeown — Wed, 26 Aug 2015 21:54:37 -0400

I would suspect anyone who said they were Ranger, Navy Seal, or Special Forces. You ever notice they are usually over weight and do not seem fit. I have never met a former Ranger, Seal or SF that was overweight they all still looked fit into their seventies

Response by CPL Laie Holloway made Aug 26 at 2015 9:57 PM

CPL Laie Holloway — Wed, 26 Aug 2015 21:57:04 -0400

Response by CW4 Jim Shelburn made Aug 26 at 2015 10:51 PM

CW4 Jim Shelburn — Wed, 26 Aug 2015 22:51:53 -0400

Throw the fraud in jail.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 26 at 2015 11:39 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 26 Aug 2015 23:39:48 -0400

I'm glad that there is a group that is actively seeking the truth and exposing these people. BZ to the group that goes by Guardian of Valor. Keep up the hard work and hopefully these people get what they deserve.

Response by Cpl John M Dutrow made Aug 27 at 2015 8:23 AM

Cpl John M Dutrow — Thu, 27 Aug 2015 08:23:48 -0400

Mail fraud wire fraud .fedral crimes can the postal service ask to talk to a postal inspector.He did he has to do the time.

Response by SP6 Ray Kamble made Apr 25 at 2017 11:40 AM

SP6 Ray Kamble — Tue, 25 Apr 2017 11:40:37 -0400

this duck head scammed me out of close to a thousand dollars. I use to donate to places like warrior point etc but jerks like this guy kept creeping in. in fact at one time I donated 300.00 to this guys go fund me page because he was an OIF OEF admin. ridiculous, cut to another leg off!

Response by SPC Dave Sweeney made Apr 28 at 2017 9:57 AM

SPC Dave Sweeney — Fri, 28 Apr 2017 09:57:35 -0400

A perfect example of why no one should be allowed in what I consider a Brotherhood until they can produce a 214. If they say they lost it, all they have to do is put in a request. He should be in jail for his scam.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 6 at 2017 5:29 PM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 17:29:30 -0400

One more drama filled situation out of the way.

Response by CPO Paul Hazard made Jul 22 at 2017 6:20 PM

CPO Paul Hazard — Sat, 22 Jul 2017 18:20:20 -0400

So terrible. Don't know why people do this. The sad part is we have a lot of brothers and sisters out there who suffer in silence who could have used those funds. I wish I could say I have never met any of these people, but I meet them all the time. Just sad.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 26 at 2017 12:02 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 26 Jul 2017 00:02:31 -0400

Send this guy straight to prison. What a dirtbag!

Response by CPL(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 9 at 2017 2:05 PM

CPL(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 09 Aug 2017 14:05:28 -0400

He's back on Facebook scamming and getting people to feel sorry for his medical conditions. I wonder if he has solicited any more money from people. https://www.facebook.com/JonesSpreadingHope/

Robert Jones Medical : Spreading Hope

Robert Jones Medical : Spreading Hope. 358 likes. Using my story to give hope. We can't control what life throws at us, but we can control how we let that situation affect us. NEVER GIVR UP! Please...

Response by SSG Richard Reilly made Aug 9 at 2017 3:22 PM

SSG Richard Reilly — Wed, 09 Aug 2017 15:22:04 -0400

I don't get it so many people that are true broke d**ks that barely make it and fake ones get stuff handed to them.

Response by SGT Jim Humphrey made Nov 7 at 2017 5:32 PM

SGT Jim Humphrey — Tue, 07 Nov 2017 17:32:00 -0500

What a total shitbox. What he is doing is probably illegal. If you know a vet in the cop world might see if he/she will take the case.