We’ve all know folks who exaggerate a bit, perhaps say they run a business when all they really do is run the business’s trash out the Dumpster.

But one Arizona guy went above and beyond simple exaggeration and claimed to be a highly decorated U.S. Marine.

John William Rodriguez, 31, didn’t save his faux boasting for dates or personal chats, either, but made it widely known to the masses.

This Scottsdale guy was even introduced at large functions as a decorated veteran.

That’s also how he got busted.

An authentic former Marine thought Rodriguez’s uniform looked a little less than authentic. He also found it odd that a 31-year-old would be donning the Navy Cross.

Once the Arizona Department of Public Safety started investigating they learned Rodriguez had been introduced as a decorated veteran at several functions. He also listed serving in the military on his driver’s license.

Arizona Department of Public Safety arrests suspected military impersonator, news release
John William Rodriquez, 31, of Scottsdale was booked into the Maricopa County Jail on 13 felony fraud schemes stemming from his impersonation of a highly decorated Marine. The arrest culminates a lengthy investigation which uncovered evidence that Rodriquez had been portraying himself as a U.S. Marine Gunnery Sergeant or Warrant Officer for at least a year.

Rodriquez faces possible federal charges in addition to his arrest for ARS Title 13 Felony Fraud Schemes.

Wow. That’s some heavy charges for pretending to be a Marine. Guess no one gets away with nabbing a military title if they haven’t been through boot camp.

Poor guy. I say “poor” because you have to be suffering from very low self-esteem to blow yourself up into a decorated veteran.

Not sure what the penalty will be, but maybe he should really be sent to boot camp. Either that, or shine the shoes of all the authentic decorated veterans out there.

Did you ever get busted pretending to be someone or something you are not?
Did it result in felony fraud charges?

Here in Tucson we care about the environment, which is why we pick up our dog’s poo and refrain from leaving old couches on the side of the road.

As the digital TV switch kicks in June 12, the same respect should be given to your old and now-useless analog TV.

You can recycle the thing from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on June 27 at Reid Park, 22nd Street on Randolph Way, thanks to Tucson Clean and Beautiful. The agency asks you bring a $10 check or cash for each TV.

Illustration Ryn Gargulinski

The June 27 collection will also include other electronic stuff, like cell phones, useless computers and crummy iPods, without the fees.

Before you rush to the recycling event, consider options for disposing of your useless television set:

• Turn it into art. Gut the insides of the TV and set up a little diorama with a dinky Bert and Ernie or an entire scene with miniature plastic dinosaurs and soldiers. You can also paint, mosaic or collage all over the old TV and place it in the corner as a living room show piece.

• Turn it into furniture. Old, bulky TVs are just the right height for a bedside lamp, an end table or an entranceway piece. Throw an old blanket and some pillows on top and you’ve got yourself a foot rest.

• Make a stage for a puppet show. Gut the insides and carefully remove the front glass. Voila! You’ve got yourself a mini stage.

• Use it for anger management. Place the TV outside and far from kids, pets and loved ones and smash the glass with a sledgehammer the next time you’re upset. Make sure to clean up the debris afterwards and then head to the recycling plant or people will think you don’t care about the environment.

• Start a business. Collect the old television sets from your neighbors, coworkers and friends, charging them $20 a shot to take it off their hands. Haul all the TVs down to the recycling event, paying the $10 fee for each, and you just made a $10 per set profit.

Read past post on the digital TV switch, complete with reversed photo of the Honeymooners: Digital TV could be pain in the antenna

What are you going to do with your old TV?
Please note: Ryn is taking collections of them for a fee of $50 per set.