Fake war hero exposed: The unraveling of a long con by an alleged career criminal

An alleged con artist with a lengthy and violent criminal history who masqueraded for years as an honored United States military officer was arrested at a Malden hotel and charged with two felonies in connection to those claims.

New Madrid Prosecuting Attorney Andrew Lawson on March 10 charged William J. Clark, 52, who listed 39935 Bernard St., Malden, as an address, with felony Forgery and felony Violation Of Stolen Valor Act Re: Listed Medals Of Distinction.

New Madrid County Sheriff's Office Investigator Jackie Hays in a March 1 Probable Cause Affidavit (PCA) said that on March 1, New Madrid County Deputy Nick Pratte responded to the Veterans of Foreign War (VFW) Post 7183, at 301 South 4th St., Lilbourn, regarding a forgery report.

A witness told Pratte that Clark completed a membership application and that during the process, Clark provided a copy of a Certificate of Release or Discharge From Active Duty, a DD214, the PCA stated.

VFW officials noticed discrepancies in the certificate and "knew it to be a forged document," Hays' PCA stated.

The form listed Clark as serving in the United States Army as a Captain from Jan. 6, 1989, to Dec. 12, 2023, according to court records.

The form also stated Clark was awarded a number of military honors, including the Distinguished Service Cross, Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Silver Star, Soldiers Medal, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Army of Occupation, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces, Expeditionary Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, NATO Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Army Overseas Service Ribbon, KLM, Army Superior Unit Award, and the Presidential Unit Citation, according to the PCA.

"A search of the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor does not show Clark as a recipient of this award," Hays said. "I then spoke with (redacted), the Station Commander for the Army Recruitment Office in Cape Girardeau.

" ... was advised he (Clark) was never enlisted with the United States Army," the PCA continued.

Hays' PCA indicated Clark in October 1995 was found guilty of felony 3rd Degree Grand Theft in Broward County, Fla.; was charged with felony Rape in 1993 in Liberty County Ga., was arrested as a Fugitive of Justice in Clayton County Ga., in 2000; and was arrested for felony Felon in Possession of a Weapon in Fairbanks Ak., in 2010, the PCA stated.

Clark was arrested in 1991 in Dallas for alleged Forgery; in 2003 entered a guilty plea to elony Possession of A Firearm by a Felon and Impersonation in Arizona; and in 2011 was charged by the US Court with Possession of a Weapon, Fictitious Obligations, and Impersonating a Federal Officer or Employee of the US, the PCA indicated.

"Clark was sentenced to 106 months' imprisonment for these charges," Hays' PCA stated.

34th Judicial District Circuit Court Associate Judge Brandon Michael Sanchez on March 10 issued a warrant for Clark's arrest and ordered a $25,000 cash-only bond, court records indicated.

Clark was arrested by New Madrid County Sheriff's Office deputies on March 11 at a Malden hotel, court records indicated. He is slated to appear virtually before Sanchez at 9 a.m. Thursday, March 20, according to court documents.

Clark was released on his own recognizance because of medical conditions, court records stated.