Arizona Department of Public Safety arrests suspected military impersonator

On June 10, 2009, at about 1:45 p.m., 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 first came to the attention of criminal investigators at DPS after a former marine witnessed Rodriquez being introduced as a decorated veteran during a special function. The former marine observed the uniform worn by Rodriquez was not complete and that it was highly unusual for a 31-year-old to be wearing the Navy Cross. The man did some research and discovered Rodriquez had never been in the military. The case was then referred to DPS. The investigation revealed Rodriquez has in fact been introduced as a decorated war veteran at several functions, along with listing himself as currently serving in the military on his driver’s license.

On June 4, 2009, DPS investigators served a search warrant at Rodriquez’s home and removed several Marine uniforms and metals. Rodriquez was out of state at the time. He later spoke with DPS investigators from Sacramento where his parents reside. On June 10, 2009, Rodriquez flew back to Phoenix with his father. He was arrested at Sky Harbor Airport and taken to DPS headquarters in Phoenix to be interviewed. He was then booked into the 4th Avenue jail.

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