He wanted to become the next Marietta fire chief. But instead, a California man became an inmate in the Cobb County jail for allegedly lying about his military background.
Robert Kenneth Hume, of Campo, Calif., claimed he was awarded honors he did not receive during his time in the U.S. Army, his arrest warrant states. He was charged with first-degree forgery, a felony, and false statements as a military veteran, a misdemeanor, according to Marietta police.
On Sunday morning, Hume surrendered and was booked into the Cobb jail. He was released that afternoon after posting $10,000 bond, booking records showed.
When applying for the vacant fire chief position April 5, Hume allegedly altered his military discharge paperwork, known as the DD214, to show he had earned a silver star medal, a bronze star medal, a purple heart medal and numerous others, according to police. On April 17, police secured an arrest warrant for Hume.
“The accused also presented a fraudulent certificate stating he had earned the rank of Master Sergeant, when the highest rank actually obtained was Sergeant,” the warrant states.
Former Marietta fire Chief Jackie Gibbs retired in December after serving the department for more than 40 years, including 18 years as chief.
In other Cobb County news:
About the Author
