DA: Fake War Hero Accused of $81K Veterans Ripoff

A Hampton Bays man allegedly concocted a fantasy military career, complete with a Purple Heart, combat wounds and the rank of lieutenant colonel, before infiltrating a local American Legion post and stealing more than $81,000 from veterans.

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney announced that David Agtsteribbe, 58, faces multiple felony charges after allegedly falsifying military records and exploiting his position as finance officer of the Hampton Bays American Legion.

Prosecutors released documents revealing stark differences between Agtsteribbe's actual military record and the decorated combat career he allegedly invented.

His purportedly fraudulent discharge paperwork lists a Purple Heart, Distinguished Service Cross, Bronze Star and honorable discharge. His actual military records identify him as a private who received a bad-conduct discharge following a court-martial for stealing from another soldier. Agtsteribbe enlisted in 1986 and separated from the Army in 1988.

A 2024 letter to Southampton officials shows Agtsteribbe claiming to be a wounded combat veteran and Purple Heart recipient while requesting handicap permits for American Legion vehicles. He signed the letter as a retired lieutenant colonel. Prosecutors allege he joined the American Legion in 2021 using fabricated credentials, eventually stealing $81,798.31 between September 2022 and August 2026. The money allegedly funded Amazon purchases, utility bills, streaming subscriptions, travel, clothing and other personal expenses.

“There is something particularly despicable about fabricating a military record and claiming honors you have never earned,” said District Attorney Tierney.

“This defendant allegedly took that disgraceful deception even further. He is accused of falsely portraying himself as a war hero, infiltrating an organization for those who actually served this country and then betraying their trust by stealing their money. Our veterans earned their honors through sacrifice and service. This defendant allegedly exploited those sacrifices for his own selfish gain. It is a shameful abuse of trust, and one that we will prosecute.”

Agtsteribbe was arrested November 9 and arraigned November 10 before Southampton Town Justice Karen Sartain. He was remanded and faces up to 25 years to life if convicted on the top charge. He is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.