A Jacksonville man has been sentenced to a three-month federal prison term for making false statements about his military service. Robert David Gulledge, aged 60, was handed the sentence by U.S. District Judge Wendy B. Berger after he entered a guilty plea on December 19, 2024. The deceit in question: a doctored military discharge document detailing a slew of commendations and experiences Gulledge had never truly earned, as per an announcement from the U.S. Attorney's Office, Middle District of Florida .

Court documents reveal that the falsifications on the Form DD-214 included claims to having received a Bronze Star with V Device, Navy/Marine Jump Wings, and awards for campaigns in Iraq and Kuwait. These fabrications initially allowed Gulledge to secure an Intelligence Analyst position in 2009 on a government contract. Over a 15-year period, Gulledge went on to submit this counterfeit document on nearly 10 occasions, aiming to improperly gain employment or benefits — a calculated attempt to also improperly claim VA benefits.

The Deputy Assistant Director of the U.S. Department of State's Diplomatic Security Service Office of Special Investigations (DSS), William Ferrari, stressed the importance of accountability in these matters. "The Diplomatic Security Service is firmly committed to making sure that those who commit document fraud face consequences for their criminal actions," said Ferrari. The significance of interagency cooperation in maintaining the veracity of official U.S. documents was also highlighted by Ferrari, noting, "The strong relationship we enjoy with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and other law enforcement agencies is vital towards ensuring the integrity of official U.S. documents and protecting greater U.S. interests," according to the U.S. Attorney's Office .

Key investigative work in the case was carried out by several federal entities, including the DSS Office of Special Investigations, the Department of Veterans Affairs - Office of Inspector General, and the Defense Criminal Investigative Service. The prosecution helm was taken by Assistant United States Attorney Kelly S. Milliron.