I just hate guys that do this. Whether or not they are veterans, this is despicable, in my humble opinion. He's an all-time scumbag.

Ex-N.J. veterans' official pleads guilty in tax case
By Barbara Boyer

Inquirer Staff Writer

Vietnam veteran William Devereaux says he has never gotten over seeing his best friend killed during a rocket attack on the 82d Airborne Division.
"I only found the top of his head and his boots with the feet in them," Devereaux, 64, wrote in a statement he released yesterday morning. "I was never the same AGAIN!"

Minutes earlier, in Superior Court in Camden, Devereaux appeared more humble as he pleaded guilty to theft related to tax payments.

Devereaux, a former official with the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, apologized for what he called "delusional" and "paranoid" decisions, and for embellishing his military disabilities so he could avoid paying local property taxes.

Assistant Camden County Prosecutor Leslie Dicker said Devereaux applied for benefits related to war injuries only after he began his job of helping other veterans apply for benefits in 2002.

Devereaux pleaded guilty to theft under an agreement with prosecutors, who will recommend a 30-day jail sentence that he can serve under house arrest. If the deal is accepted by Judge Irvin J. Snyder, who set sentencing for Jan. 29, Devereaux also will serve five years' probation.

He has surrendered his job, can never work for the state again, and has paid $54,142 in taxes he owed to Laurel Springs for 2002 through 2008, when he improperly claimed the military exemption, said his attorney, Dennis Wixted.

Additionally, Devereaux may not work with veterans in any capacity for at least five years. Had he gone to trial and been convicted, he could have faced up to five years in prison.

"I'm very, very sorry for what has happened," Devereaux told the judge at yesterday's hearing, after arriving in a black jacket emblazoned with the 82d Airborne emblem in red stitching. He asked for "compassion and forgiveness."

His troubles, however, are not over. Camden County Prosecutor Warren Faulk said federal authorities were continuing the investigation.

Devereaux was arrested a year ago, when he worked as the director of veterans programs for the state.

Devereaux first worked for the Camden County Office of Veterans Affairs, in 2001. In 2004, Gov. Jim McGreevey appointed him director of veterans' programs. In that position, Devereaux helped soldiers suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.

It was at that time, prosecutors said, that Devereaux learned how to work the system, applying for the tax exemptions and claiming he was 100 percent disabled from the war.

Devereaux, in attending numerous military functions, wore a decorated uniform that included high military honors, including a Purple Heart, a Soldier's Medal, and a Bronze Star. He also received $34,000 in military benefits federal authorities are reviewing, officials said.

He claimed he was injured as a paratrooper and artilleryman in Vietnam and later used incorrect military records to qualify for property-tax exemptions in Laurel Springs.

"It's outrageous that someone who worked for the Veterans Administration would be engaged in this type of behavior," said Faulk.

Devereaux never received any of the medals he claimed, officials said. Devereaux agreed, calling his behavior "despicable," but said he never faked being in combat or his war-related disabilities when he served with the 82d Airborne.

"Our unit arrived in Vietnam on Feb. 13, 1968, at Chu Clai," Devereaux wrote in his statement. "Within three hours of landing, we took incoming 122mm rockets and were attacked by Viet Cong from the southeast and were pressed into fire fights. I had been administratively trained and was completely unready to face this type of action, however I did then and for the next five months."

During this time, he wrote, his best friend was killed 50 feet from the spot where Devereaux took cover during the rocket attack.

Authorities said it was possible Devereaux had seen combat; according to military records, he joined the Army in May 1967 and was honorably discharged in May 1970. The records show he was assigned as a payroll-distribution specialist to Vietnam for four months in 1968. Devereaux's lies make it difficult to believe any of his story, officials said.

Initially, Devereaux said, he never told anyone about war-related problems. He said he started treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder in 1989 and was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2000, which he said was related to Agent Orange.

Although the military never gave him a 100 percent permanent disability, which entitles him to additional benefits, Devereaux said he had applied for one and still was waiting for a determination.

He knew, he said, it was wrong to apply for the tax exemptions and claim medals he never received.

"I hated how the VA was treating me and the thousands of other Vietnam vets in like situations," Devereaux wrote, adding, "I apologize profusely for my irrational and despicable behavior in this case. However, I can assure you that it was not done with a clear heart or mind."

http://www.philly.com/philly/news/new_jersey/20091201_Ex-N_J__veterans__official_pleads_guilty_in_tax_case.html

Reactivate him and put him on IED patrol in the Afghan front!

He will get PLENTY of "experience" and really understand what PTSD means...

In my travels through the VA System i have met many like him and worse

But to his credit he did serve in country

Shame he discredited himself like that and if he actually does have PTSD he might take himself out, i have seen many do just that for less than what happen to him -

101st Airborne 68/ 69 huey gunship crewchief I Corp

John,
Are you, by any chance shorter than average height?
I ask because the only other 101 airborne I ever knew was a short man who suffered "short man syndrome." Tough as nails, beu very kind under that hard shell. Anyone who routinely jumps from aircraft that are not in distress deserves a lot of respect.

__________________
1982 300SD " Wotan" ..On the road as of Jan 8, 2007 with Historic Tags

i was when in the service 175 Lbs -- 6 foot 3

today the airborne is special forces types 5' 9 165 lbs is the norm

I can't believe he made it as long as he did, the fact that 82nd never jumped in Vietnam is elementary.

So far as the Airborne is concerned, EVERYONE that does not jump - is a "STRAIGHT LEG"

__________________
1991 560 SEC AMG, 199k <---- 300 hp 10:1 ECE euro HV ...

1995 E 420, 170k "The Red Plum" (sold)

2015 BMW 535i xdrive awd Stage 1 DINAN, 6k, <----364 hp

1967 Mercury Cougar, 49k

2013 Jaguar XF, 20k <----340 hp Supercharged, All Wheel Drive (sold)