Md. judge rules Stolen Valor Act unconstitutional

A judge has dismissed a case against a former Silver Spring man accused of lying about his military honors, ruling that the law he was charged with violating is unconstitutional. In throwing out the case against Aaron Lawless, U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas DiGirolamo is the fourth federal judge to weigh in on the constitutionality of the Stolen Valor Act — a debate making its way to the Supreme Court.

A criminal complaint says Lawless falsely told the gun manufacturer Glock that he had suffered combat injuries in Iraq while serving in the Marine Corps and Army, earning a Silver Star, four Purple Hearts and two Bronze Stars. Glock then named him its hero of the year, awarding him a trip to a Las Vegas gun show and engraved pistols.