Reading about military impersonator John William Rodriguez today, visions of Duke Tully must have swirled for many Arizonans.
Onetime Arizona Republic and Phoenix Gazette newspaper publisher Darrow “Duke” Tully was a well-connected social elite, traveling in the poshest of circles, wearing his military officer’s finery, replete with prestigious ribbons and metals attesting to his combat valor. John McCain, a man with actual military bona fides, was the recipient of Tully’s inked support and became a close associate. Tully was godfather to one of McCain’s children.
The problem was Tully was a fraud and his tall tales of action in Korea and Vietnam were bogus. His deception was uncovered by Tom Collins, a former Maricopa County Attorney and Marine, now a judge in Cochise County.
KTAR reports that Rodriguez, 31, was arrested and charged with 13 felony fraud schemes and may also face a federal charge of violating the Stolen Valor Act of 2005, which makes it a misdemeanor to lie about getting a military decoration. If convicted on the federal charge, he faces up to a year in prison and $200,000 in fines.
Sam Stanton, now with the Sacramento Bee, was previously a star reporter for the Arizona Republic. Several years ago, he wrote this piece, titled They are heroes — in own minds: Phonies wage war on truth. It goes hand-in-hand with this exposé of Rodriguez and other imposters who despicably pose as highly decorated military officers.
June 12, 2009 at 2:40 pm
There’s not much that qualifies as being sleazy as much as impersonating honored military personnel when you are a bogus imposter. What an unprincipled lout!
June 12, 2009 at 3:28 pm
The subject of fraudulent military “heroes” is maddening, but the vision of the Grand Duke of Tully, parading around the Valley social scene in his military finery and then feeling the collective community foot on his phony backside, was delightful to those of us who saw the spectacle. When he ended up in some two-bit burg peddling his shabby journalistic wares, it was a case of just desserts.
June 12, 2009 at 4:40 pm
Duke Tully was able to take in the country club set and thought he was safe as he deceived the well heeled. Then he took on the county attorney, an actual Marine and former cop who suspected fakery. It was quite a show, as the young and mistakenly underrated Tennessee lawyer took on the publishing Goliath. When the truth was displayed for all to see, people were stunned, but they got over that real fast and then were simply furious. Tully left town with his tail between his legs.
June 12, 2009 at 5:31 pm
Cindy Hensley McCain’s father originally introduced John to Duke Tully, Charlie Keating and a host of the other high living swells. Tully had a lot to do with John McCain being elected to the US Congress before he became a Senator. The newspaper gave him favorable coverage on an almost daily basis. McCain’s name became so well known, people forgot he was a carpetbagger.
June 12, 2009 at 11:54 pm
Does anyone know if District 11 GOP Chairman Steve Tully is related to this bird? Just curious.
June 13, 2009 at 1:43 pm
Here’s another despicable fake veteran exposed:
http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_12537680