The man was found guilty of conspiracy to defraud and forgery and was sentenced to prison on Monday by a Yavapai County jury.

Prescott resident John Hoyt Fren, 42, was sentenced to 10 and a half years in prison.

During his tenure, Mr. Flynn owned and operated American Veteran Movers, which he advertised to clients as being veteran-owned and operated.

But officials say Mr. Flynn never enlisted in the Marine Corps or any other branch of the military and misled clients about his service for financial gain.

According to Yavapai County attorneys, Flynn was injured in combat in Iraq and claimed to have had a fraudulent Purple Heart certificate purchased to receive license plates for a veterans vehicle.

“We thank the jury for their efforts and hope that this verdict and lengthy prison sentence will send a message to those looking to unfairly steal the courage of veterans. Not only did he deceive Mr. Flynn’s victims who believed that his money was supporting veteran-owned businesses, he also defrauded veterans who run small businesses in our community.” Yavapai County Attorney Dennis M. McGlenn said in a statement. .