David Agtsteribbe, 58, of Long Island, was arrested shortly before Veterans Day after prosecutors accused him of falsely presenting himself as a decorated combat veteran. Authorities allege he altered military records, claimed to have received a Purple Heart and used the credentials to join veterans organizations. Prosecutors also accuse him of transferring $81,798.31 from a veterans group to pay personal expenses. He is scheduled to return to court on Nov. 13, 2026.
Officials said Agtsteribbe served for about one year, was court-martialed in 1987 and pleaded guilty to stealing money from another soldier. He was discharged as a private in 1988, but prosecutors allege he later portrayed himself as an honored combat veteran and, in some documents, as a retired lieutenant colonel.
| 1) | Alleged military identity deception |
|---|---|
| 2) | Veterans group membership and access |
| 3) | Alleged theft from organization accounts |
| 4) | Additional filings and criminal charges |
| 5) | Prosecutors seek substantial bail |
Alleged military identity deception
Prosecutors in Suffolk County allege that David Agtsteribbe fabricated an extensive military history to portray himself as a wounded war hero and Purple Heart recipient. According to the allegations, he altered his discharge documents to make his record appear honorable and to show a higher retirement status. Officials said the actual record reflected roughly one year of service, a court-martial in 1987 and a guilty plea for stealing money from another soldier. He was discharged as a private in 1988.
The alleged deception came to public attention after his arrest two days before Veterans Day. Prosecutors said the altered records and claimed honors helped him gain credibility among people and organizations supporting military veterans.
Veterans group membership and access
Authorities allege that Agtsteribbe joined the Hampton Bays American Legion in 2021 after submitting falsified discharge papers. The organization supports veterans and service members, and prosecutors said the documents helped him qualify for membership and obtain a position as a finance officer.
Prosecutors also said he had sought or obtained memberships in other veterans organizations as far back as 2019, including the Military Order of the Purple Heart. The alleged elevated retirement status may also have assisted him in obtaining health care and other privileges, although the charges concern the broader pattern of alleged falsification and misuse of trust.
Alleged theft from organization accounts
Beginning in 2022, Agtsteribbe allegedly transferred money from the Hampton Bays American Legion’s accounts into his personal checking account. Prosecutors said the transfers were used for personal expenses rather than legitimate organizational purposes.
The alleged purchases and payments included Amazon transactions, household bills, a private business membership program, streaming services, travel, leisure activities, clothing and accessories. Investigators placed the total alleged loss at $81,798.31. Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney described the alleged conduct as an abuse of an organization created to support people who had served.
“There is something particularly despicable about fabricating a military record and claiming honors you have never earned,” Raymond A. Tierney said. He added that the defendant allegedly infiltrated an organization for those who served and betrayed their trust by taking its money.
Additional filings and criminal charges
Prosecutors allege that in 2023 and 2024, Agtsteribbe submitted falsified discharge papers to the Town of Southampton. The filings were allegedly intended to avoid a $50 resident permit fee and obtain a handicap parking permit. In some documents, authorities said, he claimed to be a retired lieutenant colonel even though his military discharge was as a private.
The charges include second-degree grand larceny, second-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument, two counts of first-degree offering a false instrument for filing and three counts of first-degree falsifying business records. The allegations remain subject to court proceedings, and a conviction has not been established.
Prosecutors seek substantial bail
Prosecutors requested substantial bail, citing Agtsteribbe’s criminal history and the seriousness of the current allegations. The requested conditions included $100,000 in cash, a $200,000 secured bond or a $1 million partially secured surety bond.
The proposed bail is intended to ensure that he returns to court while the case proceeds. If convicted on the top count as a persistent felony offender, he could face a sentence ranging from 25 years to life in prison. His next court appearance is scheduled for Nov. 13, 2026.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Prosecutors allege that David Agtsteribbe falsely claimed military honors, including a Purple Heart. |
| 2 | He allegedly used altered records to join veterans organizations and obtain a finance role. |
| 3 | The alleged transfers from a veterans group totaled $81,798.31. |
| 4 | He faces larceny, forgery and falsification charges. |
| 5 | A court appearance is scheduled for Nov. 13, 2026, with substantial bail requested. |
Summary
The case centers on allegations that David Agtsteribbe misrepresented his military service to gain access to veterans organizations and then used that position to divert funds. Prosecutors say the alleged conduct combined forged records, false claims of military honors and misuse of organizational accounts. The charges will be resolved through the court process, where the allegations must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is David Agtsteribbe accused of doing?
He is accused of falsifying military records, posing as a decorated and wounded veteran, joining veterans organizations and stealing $81,798.31 from a veterans group.
What charges does he face?
The charges include second-degree grand larceny, second-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument, two counts of first-degree offering a false instrument for filing and three counts of first-degree falsifying business records.
When is the next court appearance?
The defendant is scheduled to return to court on Nov. 13, 2026. Prosecutors have requested substantial bail while the case proceeds.
