(Redding, CA) – An Oroville man has been arrested in Redding for grand theft and military impersonation.

72-year-old Bernard Curtis was taken into custody for allegedly entering Fletch Body Piercing and walking out with an estimated $5,000 worth of jewelry, according to Action News. He was reportedly wearing a combination Navy/Army uniform and rank insignia. A search of his vehicle turned up stolen jewelry, a large amount of cash as well as merchandise reportedly stolen from several other Redding businesses.

Curtis is an actual Navy veteran, but reportedly admitted to lying about his service record to “swindle employees for money” claiming he needed help supporting his disabled son.

He also admitted to pulling the scheme “along the I-5 corridor in multiple counties.”