A California man pleaded not guilty Thursday to wearing military medals that he never earned.
Prosecutors say 39-year-old Steven Burton, who was never in the military, was photographed wearing a Marine Corps uniform displaying the Navy Cross along with the Bronze Star and Purple Heart.
The FBI was contacted after a Navy commander attending her high school reunion saw Burton wearing the uniform and medals.
He was charged with unauthorized wearing of military medals and was released on $10,000 bond. He is due back in court for a Dec. 21 hearing.
If convicted on the misdemeanor charge, Burton could be sentenced to one year in federal prison.
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