Con Artist Convicted of Defrauding American Legion

Prosecutors in DA Charme Allen’s White Collar Unit obtained convictions against a con artist who lied about his military service to steal from veterans. Donald Jerden Hunley, 41, was ordered into custody today after pleading guilty to Theft over $10,000. Judge Bob McGee sentenced Hunley to a ten-year sentence with service of one year in the Knox County Jail. Hunley must also repay $10,314.15 to the American Legion Post #2.

In a sentencing hearing before Judge Bob McGee, Assistant District Attorneys Willie Santana and William Bright explained to the Court that in December 2015, Hunley joined the American Legion Post #2 claiming to be a decorated veteran, Sergeant, and victim of combat-related posttraumatic stress disorder. In reality, Hunley lasted five weeks in the military and was medically discharged before he even completed basic training. Based upon his lies, Hunley obtained leadership positions in the Post that allowed him access to the Post’s bank accounts. Knoxville Police Department Investigator Kelli Randolph was able to uncover that Hunley stole over $10,000 from the veterans of the Post. Post leadership also discovered that this was not the first time Hunley made money from claiming to be a veteran. In 2007, Hunley went to churches in Jefferson County and collected $7000 by telling a harrowing story about being an Army Ranger, sniper, and decorated veteran who received an American flag from First Lady Laura Bush when he was airlifted to Walter Reed Medical Center. Hunley was convicted of this conduct in 2008.

“This brazen criminal didn’t just steal money,” said DA Charme Allen.”He preyed upon the sacred trust that exists between veterans.”

Hunley has four prior felony convictions for Fraud, Theft, and Identity Theft out of Jefferson County, Tennessee, and Allen, Indiana.

If you have any questions, please contact Sean McDermott at 865-215-2515 or Sean.McDermott@knoxcounty.org. For more information about the District Attorney’s Office, visit our website at dag.knoxcountytn.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.