He is not a marine

I am writing this letter to apologize for my actions. For years I have lied about having served in the U.S. Marine Corps. I have repeated this lie to my family, my friends, my acquaintances, my federal probation officer and to the Honorable Donald W. Molloy, Chief United States District Judge for the District of Montana.

I was prosecuted and pleaded guilty to the offense of false statement in violation of 18 U.S.C, S 1001 for falsely claiming to a federal probation officer that I served in the Marine Corps. I made this false claim in connection with my sentencing for an earlier felony crime I committed, fugitive in possession of a firearm.

I have also lied about having been wounded in combat, and I submitted a false application in order to obtain a license plate reserved for Purple Heart recipients from the state of Montana. I deeply regret my actions, and I offer this letter of apology to you, to each of your readers and to all who have served and who are currently serving in the U.S. armed services.

I realize that by falsely representing myself as a marine, I have dishonored all those who have served in the United States Marine Corps and all other branches of the U.S. military, and that my false statements have diminished and tarnished the contributions and sacrifices that other have made to protect my freedom.

William C. Horvath

Missoula

Editor's note: Horvath, formerly of Whitefish, was ordered by the U.S. District Court to submit this letter as a condition of supervised release for the author. He was convicted of making false statements.