Former Portarlington RSL president, Darren McDonald, charged over impostor claims

A Portarlington man and RSL president has allegedly been exposed as a fake war veteran after being arrested and charged by police.

Former Portarlington and St Leonards RSL Sub-Branch president Darren McDonald has been charged and will face the Geelong Magistrates Court. Photo: Supplied.

A Portarlington man has allegedly been exposed as a fake war veteran after being arrested and charged by police.

Former Portarlington and St Leonards RSL Sub-Branch president, Darren McDonald, stood down from his post in July last year after being appointed in the role in February.

It will be alleged he fabricated his returned service history, falsely presenting himself as a returned soldier.

It’s believed Mr McDonald did serve in the Australian Defence Force in some capacity.

This masthead understands a contingent of veterans who had toured in Cambodia saw his appointment and accompanying medal in a local newspaper, but had no recollection of him.

“They couldn’t recognise him,” one former vet said, who did not want to be named.

It’s believed they alerted the local RSL, who looked into the matter.

Victoria Police have since charged Mr McDonald, 58, for improper use of defence service decoration.

A police spokesman said it will be alleged he was seen wearing various defence service medals without authorisation.

They included a UN Cambodia UNTAC Medal, an Australian Active Service Medal with clasp, Australian Service Medal with Clasp and a Long Service Medal with 2 clasps.

Darren McDonald, pictured in his role as president, will face the Geelong Magistrates Court on February 6. Photo: Supplied.

Mr McDonald declined to answer questions when contacted about the allegations.

“I have no comment,” he said.

He is still listed as president on the Portarlington and St Leonards RSL Sub-Branch website.

Branch president, Peter Greaney, said he had been assisting police as part of their investigation “and we will continue to fully co-operate.”

When asked if he saw Mr McDonald wearing the alleged aforementioned medals he replied.

“He was certainly wearing those medals on Anzac Day.”

It is a criminal offence for a person to wear a service ­decoration which was not conferred on them or to falsely represent themselves as such, with the maximum penalty including jail.

The Australian Defence Force has been contacted for comment.

Mr McDonald will front the Geelong Magistrates Court on February 6.

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Originally published as Former Portarlington RSL president, Darren McDonald, charged over impostor claims