Pose as Army Hero Nets Businessman 3 Years’ Probation

An Indiana man who posed as a retired brigadier general and wore full Army regalia to win a $1.8-million contract from Taco Bell was sentenced Monday to three years’ probation and ordered to keep his uniforms and medals at home.

Guadalupe Gonzales, 60, wore a gray business suit as he repeatedly apologized for claiming to be the most decorated general still living and using that distinction to win the contract from the Irvine-based company and its parent corporation, PepsiCo.

“I truly do apologize for this behavior,” said Gonzales, who also said that counseling has helped him understand how low self-esteem led him to impersonate a Medal of Honor winner and member of the military elite. “I have changed,” he said.

Calling it a case of “blatant impersonation,” U.S. District Judge Linda H. McLaughlin also sentenced Gonzales to pay a $2,700 fine, perform 750 hours of community service and serve 30 days in a correctional facility where he will spend his nights and weekends but be allowed to work during the day.

All sides agree that Gonzales’ case is unusual. The businessman is not accused of stealing anything. No one complained about his work in retrofitting fast-food restaurants to accommodate handicapped people. In fact, Gonzales’ defense attorney says the construction work was so superior that he continues to get construction contracts from PepsiCo.

But impersonating someone is a federal crime. Gonzales faced up to six years in prison and a $500,000 fine.

Gonzales, who has no criminal record, was put on alert in 1987 that his activities were illegal. At that time, police scoured his house and removed military apparel, stars and a Medal of Honor that Gonzales was using to adorn his uniforms. No charges were filed.

“That should have been enough to let the defendant know he had a problem,” Assistant U.S. Atty. Nathan J. Hochman said in arguing that Gonzales’ persistent disregard for the law deserved punishment.

Gonzales never served in the military but repeatedly falsified records to reflect an illustrious 31-year career that included three Purple Hearts, a Silver Star and other honors for tours of duty during the Korean and Vietnam wars.

While negotiating his contract with Taco Bell, Gonzales attended meetings in Army greens, bloused trousers, combat boots and rows of ribbons. He signed all documents as retired Gen. Gonzales, according to records. On Monday, Gonzales insisted he had learned his lesson. His wife has burned all his military apparel, save a vintage World War II jacket and another item that he said he needs to wear for warmth in the winter, he said. Gonzales said he has been revealing the truth about his background to the veterans organizations with which he volunteers.

And as a sign of his sincerity, Gonzales told the judge he is vigilant about making sure that no one again calls him general--not even in jest.

Gonzales was turned in to authorities last year when his business partner began to be suspicious about his background. An investigation by the Army’s Criminal Investigation Command resulted in the charges.

Outside of court, the prosecutor said he hopes the sentence will keep Gonzales from “pursuing these delusions.”

“He was living out his military fantasies,” the prosecutor said.