According to the officials, a Connecticut man is accused under a controversial federal law of wearing military uniforms and ranks he did not earn.

The Stamford Advocate reported on Friday that Damian Pace, 22, was arrested for violating the Stolen Valor Act, which prohibits unauthorized wearing of uniforms, rank insignia and badges.

The newspaper further said that the misdemeanor offense carries a maximum 6-month prison sentence and a $5,000 fine.

An investigation, leading to Pace's arrest started in April 2009 when, a photo of him wearing combat fatigues and Army Ranger markings appeared on the Internet.

The Advocate said that Pace was discharged from Army medic training in 2007 for "motivational reasons."

It is too broad and may violate First Amendment rights, critics of the Stolen Valor Act say. A challenge to the act by an elected official who lied about being awarded the Medal of Honor is being heard in a California federal court.

The Advocate further reported that Pace has said that he knew wearing the uniform and badges was wrong but he wanted to "look cool." (With Inputs from Agencies)