Montco Man Faked Navy SEAL Career To Get Healthcare: Feds

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, PA — A Montgomery County man has been arrested after he faked a record as a decorated Navy SEAL veteran in order to gain hundreds of thousands of dollars in healthcare benefits, authorities said.

Meleski, 58, who has a mailing address in Chalfont but who resides in Montgomery County, faces charges of healthcare fraud, mail fraud, stolen valor, and numerous related counts.

Meleski claimed he'd been a prisoner of war, and that he'd suffered PTSD from an armed conflict in Beirut, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office. He manufactured stories about earning the Silver Star for heroism, and used real obituaries of deceased Navy SEALS to embellish his tales, alleging he'd served alongside of them, authorities said.

In return, he received a variety of healthcare services, including disability benefits, the U.S. Attorney said.

Not only were the stories false, but Meleski never served in the U.S. military in any capacity, according to prosecutors.

He faces up to 68 years behind bars, three years of probation, $2.2 million in fines, and restitution of more than $302,000 in healthcare benefits he received.

A trial date is forthcoming.