§61-3-59. Misrepresentation of past or present military status or military awards to obtain anything of value; penalties.

(a) Any person who misrepresents himself or herself to:

(1) Be a member or veteran of the armed forces of the United States; or

(2) Be a recipient of any military commendation, decoration, or medal awarded to members of the armed forces of the United States or the several states who does so with the intent to obtain money, property, or a thing of value is guilty of the offense of misrepresentation of military status.

(b)(1) Any person violating the provisions of §61-3-59(a) of this code where the value of the money, property, or thing of value is $1,000 or more shall be guilty of a felony and, upon conviction thereof, be fined not more than $5,000, or imprisoned in a state correctional facility for not less than one nor more than 10 years, or both fined and imprisoned.

(2) Any person violating the provisions of §61-3-59(a) of this code where the value of the money, property, or thing of value is $999 or less, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be fined not more than $2,500, or confined in jail for not more than one year, or both fined and confined.