Man accused of stolen valor appears in court

HOUSTON Eyewitness News first broke this story Friday night at 10pm. Michael McManus walked into the federal courthouse where, this afternoon, he was granted a $25,000 unsecured bond.

McManus was arrested on Friday on a charge of stolen valor. Although he did serve in the military, he never achieved a rank higher than private first class, nor did he earn the military combat awards he's accused of wearing. One of them even indicated he was the commander of the British Empire.

His attorney says McManus' head was bandaged today because he had suffered a panic attack, but gave no more information. If he is convicted on charges of stolen valor, McManus could be sentenced to up to a year in federal prison.

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