Crime & Punishment
Man indicted for lying about service
A 27-year-old Tennessee Colony man has been indicted by an Anderson County grand jury for allegedly lying about his military service, including testifying he had been honored with multiple Purple Hearts.
Jason Lynn Nichols, 27, of Tennessee Colony was indicted this past Wednesday by the grand jury on two counts of aggravated perjury, a third-degree felony, according to Elizabeth Watkins, assistant district attorney for Anderson County.
On Aug. 4, 2009, authorities allege Nichols lied during a child custody hearing in Anderson County court-at-law when testifying about his military background.
During that hearing, the assistant district attorney said Nichols testified that he had served in Iraq and Afghanistan and been awarded the Service Medal, a Bronze Star and three Purple Hearts.
Nichols further testified he returned to the U.S. from his overseas service in 2005, the assistant district attorney said.
Military records, however, indicate Nichols was admitted into the U.S. Army in April 2000 and discharged in July 2000 after just three months of service for “conduct” and “excessive absences,” according to Watkins.
A back injury sustained in May 2000 further diluted his actual service, the state alleges.
“He really did seven days of active duty,” Watkins said.
Nichols was arrested in Palestine Thursday morning, according to the assistant district attorney.
As of Monday morning, Nichols remained in the Anderson County Jail in lieu of bonds totaling $150,000 set by 369th State District Judge Bascom W. Bentley III.
Watkins said authorities continue to investigate Nichols, adding other charges are possible.
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Paul Stone may be contacted via e-mail at pstone@palestineherald.com
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