OFFICER SAFETY BULLETIN

SUBJECT:  IMPERSONATING A VETERAN OF A FOREIGN WAR

      

       name: Lawrence Francis Murphy, Jr.
       aka:  Lawrence W. Bennett
       DOB:  05/25/1941
       WMA   BRN/BRN   6 1    165

       7505 Bangor Ave., Hesperia, CA

        SUMMARY:

        On July 31, 2003, Lawrence Francis Murphy, Jr. came to the Sheriff s Headquarters to apply for a concealed weapons permit.   Murphy was dressed in full United States Marine Corps uniform that identified him as a Major General. 

        Sheriff s Department detectives inquired with the U.S. Marine Corps to verify Murphy s military status, and determined that he had no current or previous affiliation with the Marine Corps, or any other branch of the Armed Forces.  Murphy was arrested for PC 532B, impersonating a Veteran of a foreign war.  A search of Murphy s vehicle, a 1992 Merces-Benz, personalized lic. Plate, GEN 2, produced a loaded 1916 German Luger pistol in a holster.  Murphy was additionally charged and booked for PC 2025(A)(1), carrying a concealed weapon and PC 12031(A)(1), carrying a loaded firearm in a public place.

        Detectives subsequently served a search warrant at Murphy s Hesperia home and located boxes of additional military fatigues, dress uniforms, military ribbons and memorabilia.  Murphy was also flying a U.S. Marine Corps flag and an American POW flag outside his residence.