Local woman convicted of stolen valor for fraudulently claiming to be Marine combat veteran
PRESS RELEASE FROM THE UNITED STATES ATTORNEY'S OFFICE (WDTN):
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Amanda Kate Walker Bass, 36, of Fayette County, Tennessee, pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of fraudulent use of military medals, otherwise known as “Stolen Valor.” U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant announced the guilty plea today.
According to information provided in court, Bass claimed to be a multiple-time deployed U.S. Marine Corps veteran who was the lone survivor of an enemy ambush in Afghanistan in 2010 that left her seriously wounded. She used this fictitious narrative for financial gain by having a GoFundMe page set up for her benefit and sharing the story online and otherwise in order to gain donations, free labor, and other benefits. In July 2021, she induced The Daily Memphian to publish an article about her titled, “Disabled, legally blind veteran now dealer of luxury goods.” Bass never served in the armed forces.
Bass will be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Mark S. Norris on May 14, 2026, where she faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the wire fraud conviction and up to one year in prison and a $100,000 fine for the fraudulent use of military medals conviction.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, “Fraudulently claiming military service or medals for unjust personal enrichment not only victimizes our military heroes, but also preys upon the trust that citizens have in veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces. It is offensive, and it is illegal. We look forward to imposing a real consequence on this faker and thief.”
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.
Assistant United States Attorney William C. Bateman III prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
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