Pocono News Section

Fake War Hero Moves out of Town

Fake War Hero Moves out of Town - Tuesday, June 30, 2009 at 1:38PM EST

Reported by: Laurie Monteforte
Tuesday, Jun 30, 2009 @ 01:38pm EST
BLAKESLEE, MONROE COUNTY- A fake war hero who many say earned a community's trust and used its generosity is skipping town. Just ten days after Eyewitness News exposed the man, he moved out.

Less than two weeks after Eyewitness News uncovered proof that Jeffrey Muller was not a Vietnam war hero, he moved out of his Blakeslee home.

"Because he apparently doesn't have the guts to stay around or to fess up to what he's done," said Ralph Keiper. He's a member of the Vietnam Veterans of America Pocono Chapter. He said the chapter helped Jeff pay bills. He explained, "We've tried to make good for other veterans."

Members believed Jeff served in Vietnam and earned piles of honorable medals including multiple purple hearts. "He can make you believe that it's snowing outside in the summer," said Keiper.

But Eyewitness News obtained documents that prove Jeff never served in Vietnam. He never earned a prestigious medal and he only spent a few months in the Army before a short stint in the National Guard. "He hasn't apologized to anyone," noted Keiper.

Eyewitness News tried to get in touch with Jeff. His wife hung up on the crew twice. The news later found his car parked at a friend's house in Blakeslee. That friend denied Jeff was there and said he didn't know where he was or where he planned to move.

While that person believes Jeff, others are sure he'll strike again in another community. "If they're not caught - they'll do it again to someone else," said Keiper.

The Pocono Veterans weren't the first ones to fall for the scam. Eyewitness News obtained a letter from a New Jersey VFW Chapter that shows Jeff was kicked out because he couldn't prove his claims.

The FBI is investigating the case but the work could take months. In the meantime local veterans say they want an apology.

They also want to warn the public that Jeff Muller uses several other last names. They include Carhoota, Cornplanter and Mullen.