Ex-Publisher Will Not Face Charges in AF Pilot Hoax

The former Arizona newspaper publisher who resigned after admitting that he lied about being a decorated combat pilot, will not be prosecuted on federal charges, officials said Friday.

Darrow (Duke) Tully sometimes wore an Air Force uniform and service medals, but there was no probable cause to prove that he did it to gain something of value, said U.S. Atty. Stephen McNamee.

Tully, 53, resigned as publisher of the Arizona Republic and the Phoenix Gazette on Dec. 26 after the Maricopa County attorney announced that he could not find Tully’s military record.

Tully, who headed Phoenix Newspapers Inc. for seven years, then admitted that he had pretended to be a retired combat veteran of Korea and Vietnam.

‘Stands on Its Own’

The ex-publisher refused to comment on McNamee’s announcement Friday, saying only that “the statement stands on its own.”

McNamee said at a news conference that his decision was based on an FBI investigation that showed that Tully obtained his uniform and medals at a surplus store, not at a military base, and that he did not receive base privileges or military retirement pay.

The investigation, which included interviews with base commanders and others, including Tully, focused on the period after 1981 because the statute of limitations had expired on earlier actions, McNamee said.

The FBI learned that Tully was given tours and other courtesies because he was publisher of the Republic and the Gazette, not because of any military record, he said.

‘Petty Offense’

“Given the circumstances of this case, the interests of justice would not be served by the prosecution of Mr. Tully for a petty offense,” McNamee said.

The 30-year masquerade was exposed by Maricopa County Atty. Tom Collins, who said he investigated Tully’s background because the Republic had investigated his travel expenses.

Impersonating a military officer to obtain something of value is a felony. Wearing a military uniform or medal without permission can be punishable by a $250 fine and six months in prison.