San Francisco Dem. activist, 78, is accused of faking his own DEATH and fleeing to Mexico ‘after fundraising $1.3M from cops and firefighters’: Admits lying that he’s a military hero too
A San Francisco activist has revealed that news of his death was fake and that he had been living in Mexico for the past six weeks.
Richard Parina, 78, who claimed to be a retired Army brigadier general with three Purple Hearts, is believed to have died in January due to sustained injuries suffered during the Persian Gulf War.
But he has now confirmed to the San Francisco standard that he is still alive, and shares a photo of himself, clean-shaven and wearing the t-shirt of a neighborhood clean-up organization.
Parina claimed it was his “adopted nephew” who spread rumors of his death after raising $1.3 million for a political action committee. “If he had just kept his big mouth shut, no one would have paid attention to it,” he said.
But he reportedly sent an email to an employee in San Francisco earlier this week to say he was on his deathbed in San José del Cabo, but that “the golf and food are great.”
San Francisco activist Richard Parina, 78, has revealed that news of his death was fake and that he has been living in Mexico for the past six weeks
He claimed to be a retired Army brigadier general with three Purple Hearts, and is believed to have died in January due to sustained injuries sustained during the Persian Gulf War.
But he confirmed to the San Francisco Standard that he was still living in San Jose Del Cabo (pictured) and shared a photo of himself, clean-shaven and wearing a neighborhood cleanup organization’s T-shirt.
Parina was last seen in public on January 17, when he attended a District 9 oversight debate at the Mission District bar El Rio.
During the meeting, he said he no longer had time for social media and handed out cards with his direct contact information, and that evening his accounts on X and NextDoor disappeared.
The next day, “Richard Francis” posted on 1st Armored Division. He received his third Purple Heart and second Bronze Star.”
An outpouring of condolences followed, and Supervisor Matt Dorsey praised Parina in a speech at a Board of Supervisors meeting.
But Parina revealed that he lived in Mexico and blamed his cousin for the fake news.
“He created all these characters. It’s crazy, man. Out of nowhere,” he said.
Parina added that he has no plans to return to San Francisco and alleged that his cousin, who is an alcoholic, posed as his wife and pretended to be a widow.
He insisted he did not know how many people thought he was dead until a story about him was published last week.
The San Francisco Standard alleged that almost every verifiable claim Parina made about his life was fabricated, including his alleged 21 military medals.
He insisted he was a Vietnam veteran and wore a veteran ball cap at public gatherings.
But he eventually admitted that he lied about growing up in the city, fighting wars in Vietnam and Iraq, and receiving multiple Purple Hearts and a Silver Star.
“I screwed up and stole some damn courage,” Parina said. “And I put it on my hat, and I’m as sorry as I ever was in my whole damn life for doing that.”
There were questions about his claim to raise $1.3 million for a group called the Catholic Alumni PAC.
He had said the money would be used to support local candidates. But he later revealed he had ‘no idea’ what happened to the money, before revealing he used drugs to buy medicine while he was ill.
Parina claimed it was his ‘adopted nephew’ who spread rumors of his death after raising $1.3 million for a political action committee
San Francisco Board of Supervisors member Matt Dorsey (center), whose campaign Parina (third from left) volunteered to support, was shocked to learn of the allegations
Parina often joined volunteer groups to clean up litter from the streets of San Francisco, and supported the recall of progressive District Attorney Chesa Boudin
The donations came from retired police and fire officials, a North Beach restaurateur and former engineering executives.
Confronted with the holes in his claims, Parina responded, “I don’t care what you write.
‘If you don’t think I’m credible, I don’t give a shit. I’m trying to give you an accurate picture of what the hell happened.”
Supervisor Dorsey said he was happy to know Parina is alive, despite being “saddened” by the ordeal.
“If he ever needs support or anything, it’s still there,” he said. “He didn’t have to make up for anything to be appreciated in the community he worked hard for.”
But Anthony Anderson, who served in the military and is committed to exposing those who lie about their military credentials, pointed out the damage Parina has caused.
The person claiming to be Parina’s cousin is criticizing the Standard’s investigation
“For someone to falsely claim to have served in the military or exaggerate their achievements not only undermines the sacrifices made by true veterans, but also diminishes the value of the honors and awards they have earned,” he said.
“These awards are among the highest honors a military member can receive and represent significant sacrifices made in the service of their country.
“By falsely claiming these awards, Parina has not only disrespected the veterans who earned them, but has also taken advantage of the public’s trust and admiration for those who served.”
Before his fake death, Parina was often seen joining volunteer groups to clean up litter from the streets of San Francisco.
He was also an outspoken supporter of the successful 2022 campaign to recall progressive District Attorney Chesa Boudin, who was accused of going soft on crime.