Thursday, April 18, 2024
Phillip Edward “Jake” Cormier recently resigned as general manager of the Pecan Plantation Owners Association just days before being arrested on two counts of tampering with a government record, a third-degree felony.
A third-degree felony is punishable by up to 10 years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to $10,000.
The charges are related to a stolen valor investigation conducted by Precinct 2 Constable John Shirley.
According to social media posts under Shirley’s name, Cormier was arrested May 9.
Lt. Johnny Rose with the Hood County Sheriff’s Office told the Hood County News that Cormier’s bond was set at $15,000 for each charge and that he bonded out of jail on May 10.
The Stolen Valor Act of 2013, signed by then-President Barack Obama, makes it a federal crime to fraudulently claim to be a recipient of certain military decorations or medals in order to obtain money, property or other tangible benefit.
Shirley released a statement saying that his office was contacted on April 29 by “a concerned citizen” regarding an allegation of possible stolen valor and that his office was investigating.
On May 5, a post under the constable’s name said that Cormier had voluntarily resigned from his position at Pecan Plantation and that Shirley’s office would continue the probe “to its legal conclusion.”
The HCN reached out to Cormier for comment but did not hear back before press time.
PPOA board president Jeaneen Harris provided this statement to the HCN via email: “Mr. Cormier is no longer affiliated with Pecan Plantation Owners Association and Pecan Plantation Country Club. We have been advised by legal counsel to make no further comment with respect to this personnel matter. The Board of Directors has begun the search for a new general manager.”
