Hyannis bar bilked by fake vet's false talesBy K.C. MYERS
staff writer
September 23, 2007
HYANNIS — Christopher Lee Proe claimed to be a war veteran who narrowly escaped with his life from Iraq.
His story of heroism so impressed the staff at Pufferbellies Entertainment Complex in Hyannis that they allowed him to write personal checks totaling $4,000 over five evenings in August.
He bought expensive bottles of champagne and other drinks, telling the staff he was celebrating his safe return and honoring his fallen buddies, according to Pufferbellies general manager Mike Travis and the police.
"It was a personal thing for me to try to take care of vets," Travis said last night, adding that he has friends who are veterans. "He knew that and he took advantage."
Proe, 23, of South Yarmouth never served in Iraq. He is wanted in three states and has a criminal history that includes impersonating a police officer and failing to register as a sex offender.
Barnstable police said Proe was given "VIP service" and allowed to write personal checks on Aug. 16, 17, 18, and again on Aug. 24 and 25 because he told employees that he was an Iraq war veteran.
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