AP Scribe Debunks HuffPo Blogger's War Tale

Media darling with lovable dog has sketchy lawsuit and criminal past

By Jane Yager, Newser Staff

Posted Feb 4, 2010 8:33 AM CST

(Newser) – Huffington Post blogger Luis Carlos Montalván started out as an anti-war liberal's dream: a decorated Iraq vet with a compelling war story, vocally opposed to the war and accompanied by a lovable golden retriever to stave off PTSD-related anxiety. But an AP reporter who's been digging into the self-promoting vet's war story says it doesn't hold water, and Gawker has turned up both a suspect lawsuit by Montalván and his criminal record.

Montalván says his PTSD stems from a 2003 incident in which Iraqi gang members tried to assassinate him for his attempts to crack down on crime; the AP reporter found evidence that he actually just scuffled with a drunk truck driver—and wasn't as badly injured as he claims. Then there's the $40 million suit he filed against McDonald's because employees "glared" at him and his service dog while he ate. And in 1999 he was charged with stalking and violating a restraining order.

Iraq veteran Luis Montalvan and actress Glenn Close attend the Puppies Behind Bars celebration titled Dog Tags: Service Dogs For Those Who've Served Us held at on November 17, 2008 in New York City. (Getty Images)

'Iraq Veterans Against the War' members Luis Montalvan, Sergio Kochergin, Adam Kokesh, James Gilligan and Vincent Emanuele listen to testimony, May 15, 2008 in Washington, DC. (Getty Images)

Iraq veteran Luis Montalvan and actress Glenn Close attend the Puppies Behind Bars celebration titled Dog Tags: Service Dogs For Those Who've Served Us on November 17, 2008 in New York City. (Getty Images)

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 6 comments

DaytonAve.

Feb 4, 2010 6:32 AM CST

Naw fuck that THEY WERE LOOKING AT HIM THE WRONG WAY. mean muggin is totally worth 40 mil.

polstroad

Feb 4, 2010 4:39 AM CST

When the idiots stop using this place to fspew venom, we might turn to the story itself. I have no hassle with or against this guy, but if AP says he is a fgraud, then I do not see the evidence. PTSD comes from many things. Does he have it? Is he being treated by VA hospital? law suit. sure. perhaps overboard, but does that make him a fraud, as this piece implies?

kirby

Feb 4, 2010 3:53 AM CST

A 40 mil dollar suit because someone looked at him funny. What a looser. Any wonder why our court system is so backed up? It because of petty BS like this and people wanting someone else to pay there way.

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AP Scribe Debunks HuffPo Blogger's War Tale

Media darling with lovable dog has sketchy lawsuit and criminal past

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McDonald's • lawsuit • Associated Press • PTSD • Iraq veterans • Iraq war • Huffington Post • Luis Carlos Montalv?n

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They're grappling with 10% employment; non-vets at 9.1%

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Mental Disorders Huge Issue for US Troops

300K have depression or stress from combat, and half don't seek help

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1,500 back from Iraq now in poverty

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Class action suit targets VA for 'shameful failures' in treatment

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AP Scribe Debunks HuffPo Blogger's War Tale

Media darling with lovable dog has sketchy lawsuit and criminal past

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

McDonald's • lawsuit • Associated Press • PTSD • Iraq veterans • Iraq war • Huffington Post • Luis Carlos Montalv?n

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

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More Newser Stories

For Returning Troops, an Even Worse Job Reality

They're grappling with 10% employment; non-vets at 9.1%

Injured Vets Seeking Closure Return to Iraq

Operation Proper Exit reveals war's progress to wounded

Mental Disorders Huge Issue for US Troops

300K have depression or stress from combat, and half don't seek help

Homeless Vets Spark Outcry: Haven't We Learned?

1,500 back from Iraq now in poverty

Injured Veterans Sue US

Class action suit targets VA for 'shameful failures' in treatment

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