Faces 20 years. Don’t go imitating the military.

James Kent Barbee, 60, of Pacific Grove pleaded guilty to one felony count of mail fraud and a misdemeanor count of unlawfully wearing a military uniform, according to the United States Attorney’s Office.

Barbee admitted he set up the Liberty Spirit Farm Foundation in Missouri and later moved it to the Santa Ynez Valley when he appeared before a federal judge. Barbee used the foundation to solicit donations from people who were told their money would be used to help veterans suffering from combat-related maladies, such as post-traumatic stress disorder syndrome.

Instead of using donations to help veterans, Barbee used significant amounts of the money for personal expenses.

Ventura County Star
James Kent Barbee Pleads Guilty