Gottheimer, Pascrell lead letter to NJ AG Platkin urging investigation into Sussex County Commissioner Bill Hayden
SUSSEX COUNTY, NJ — U.S. Representatives Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) and Bill Pascrell (NJ-9) led a letter to New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin regarding the false claims of military service made by Sussex County Commissioner Bill Hayden.
“Commissioner Hayden’s lies about his military service have drawn widespread and bipartisan condemnation. His deceptions are extremely offensive to New Jersey’s veterans who have actually served and sacrificed — and potentially violate multiple state laws,” the members said.
“It is a crime under New Jersey’s Stolen Valor Act to falsely hold oneself out to be a veteran. It is also a violation of state and federal False Claims Acts and tax laws to lie about one’s military status to gain a financial or tax benefit. It’s not only illegal, but also offensive to those who have worn the uniform and protected and served our great country,” wrote Reps. Gottheimer (NJ-5) and Pascrell (NJ-9) to New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin. “We urge you to defend the honor and dignity of all those who have actually risked their lives to protect our freedom by investigating these claims expeditiously.”
“It’s important to understand the extent and amount to which County Commissioner Hayden benefitted from his false military status, including whether he received state or federal veterans benefits or tax preferences. The people of New Jersey who placed their trust in him as a public official deserve to know the answer to these questions. County Commissioner Hayden’s actions are insulting and damaging to the brave men and women of our armed forces who risk their lives everyday to protect our country,” the members said.
