SAN DIEGO ---- A Ramona man accused of posing as a Marine major general at a Veterans of Foreign Wars party in Ramona to celebrate the birthday of the Marine Corps was arraigned Wednesday on a federal misdemeanor charge of making false claims about military decorations or medals.
David Vincent Weber, 69, appeared in court out of custody and was ordered to post $15,000 bail.
Magistrate Judge Ruben Brooks set a hearing for Thursday to determine if Weber should have to turn over an identification card that prosecutors said indicated Weber was a major general.
Special Department of Justice prosecutor Arthur Rizer said felony charges are possible against Weber.
The prosecutor told the judge that Weber attended the celebration on Nov. 7 as a guest of the VFW in full uniform adorned with numerous medals ---- including two Purple Heart medals ---- presenting himself as a major general.
Weber's attorney, Joseph Camden, said his client is being treated for prostate cancer, has had Parkinson's disease since 1999, has had three strokes, is on 18 medications, is seeing a psychiatrist and is disabled.
In court documents, FBI Special Agent James E. Pringle said Weber separated from the Marines in 1967 at the rank of staff sergeant, not major general, after serving a six-year enlistment.
