Posted on Aug 13, 2015
"Martinsburg couple convicted of fabricating death to leave U.S. Coast Guard"
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From: Your4State
MARTINSBURG, W.Va. -- A Martinsburg couple was convicted of misleading the U.S. Coast Guard, according to U.S. Attorney William Ihlenfeld II. Court documents state that Larry Shelby, a non-commissioned officer in the U.S. Coast Guard, conspired with his wife, Karen Shelby to fabricate his death in an effort to desert the Coast Guard.
The documents go on to say that Shelby abandoned his car, wrote suicidal notes, concealed his identity and isolated himself in a remote West Virginia cabin in an effort to falsify his death. Ihlenfeld says Karen Shelby told authoritiy her husband was missing and she was unaware for his location and didn't know if he was alive.
Documents show that the Coast Guard spent $100,000 searching for Larry Shelby. The search was supported by Maryland State Police, the National Park Service, the Berkeley County Sheriff's Office and numerous local police departments. In February of 2014, Shelby returned to her home in Martinsburg. Records show this was kept a secret until June.
Larry Shelby pleaded guilty to one count of "Hoax Causing U.S. Coast Guard to Render Unneccesary Aid" and "Conspiracy to Violate Laws." He faces up to six years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
http://www.your4state.com/story/d/story/martinsburg-couple-convicted-of-fabricating-death/20119/wgPBiS1bSkiACKUlbiRLHw
MARTINSBURG, W.Va. -- A Martinsburg couple was convicted of misleading the U.S. Coast Guard, according to U.S. Attorney William Ihlenfeld II. Court documents state that Larry Shelby, a non-commissioned officer in the U.S. Coast Guard, conspired with his wife, Karen Shelby to fabricate his death in an effort to desert the Coast Guard.
The documents go on to say that Shelby abandoned his car, wrote suicidal notes, concealed his identity and isolated himself in a remote West Virginia cabin in an effort to falsify his death. Ihlenfeld says Karen Shelby told authoritiy her husband was missing and she was unaware for his location and didn't know if he was alive.
Documents show that the Coast Guard spent $100,000 searching for Larry Shelby. The search was supported by Maryland State Police, the National Park Service, the Berkeley County Sheriff's Office and numerous local police departments. In February of 2014, Shelby returned to her home in Martinsburg. Records show this was kept a secret until June.
Larry Shelby pleaded guilty to one count of "Hoax Causing U.S. Coast Guard to Render Unneccesary Aid" and "Conspiracy to Violate Laws." He faces up to six years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
http://www.your4state.com/story/d/story/martinsburg-couple-convicted-of-fabricating-death/20119/wgPBiS1bSkiACKUlbiRLHw
Crime
Death
Coast Guard
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 12
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I don't get it. I know people deal with things differently but this is way over the top. Just do your time and get out.
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LT (Join to see)
Now in days you can just asked to get out and they will let you. That way the people who want to stay but made mistakes early on in there career that have straightened up can continue to serve.
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Why wasn't he charged with desertion?
It isn't mentioned in the article, but insurance fraud with his SGLI should be on the table soon.
False official statements by his wife?
This Coastguardsman sucks.
I would love to be a fly on the wall when his CO and Command Master Chief host him in their office.
I'll bring the good popcorn with extra butter.
It isn't mentioned in the article, but insurance fraud with his SGLI should be on the table soon.
False official statements by his wife?
This Coastguardsman sucks.
I would love to be a fly on the wall when his CO and Command Master Chief host him in their office.
I'll bring the good popcorn with extra butter.
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CPO Jon Campbell
I was thinking the same thing. Had to be a plea bargain. Probably the CG let civilian LE handle it rather than send him to Leavenworth. There is so little military info in the article that it is frustrating to read. No rating or duty station. No mention of how much of his enlistment was left or how much time he had in. No paygrade or details about his service.
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SFC Patrick Hopkins
Desertion is a lesser charge. He would probably get a dishonorable discharge and the bleeding heart liberals would make sure he got some type of benefits. These charges will ensure he goes to jail and gets nothing.
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5
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So, in addition to the prison time, the fines, maybe they should also be slapped with the $100K that was spent looking for him! I would suspect that if he was THAT tired of the Coast Guard, there are better ways to get out. Discussion with leadership would be a good place to start..... All methods to separate may take some time, but failing PT Testing, Hardship, failure to thrive...there are ways.... maybe wait until enlistment is up, then not re-up??!! WOW!
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