A former Air Force master sergeant pleaded guilty to stealing firearm attachments, ammunition, and even classified documents during and after his tenure in the military, according to the United States Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of North Carolina.
A 47-year-old from Spring Lake, North Carolina, pleaded guilty to felony theft of government property and unlawful possession of an unregistered weapon.
The former master sergeant used the position to access multiple weapon attachments, weapon components, ammunition, classified documents(s), and other equipment originally meant for his unit, but he kept them for himself.
After leaving the Air Force, he continued to steal equipment from arms dealers and manufacturers meant for military use. However, the equipment he obtained became part of his collection.
Two SureFire firearm suppressors were seized, as well as a barrel for Daniel Defense’s internal suppressed rifle. There were also eight upper assemblies for Geissele Automatics brand rifles.
A 31-page classified document, belonging to the U.S. Army Special Operations Command, was also taken along with all the weaponry. It was illegally owned by the guilty party.
U.S. Attorney Michael Easley stated that “America’s military is the most well-equipped fighting force the planet has ever seen.”
We won’t permit dangerous weaponry meant for military use to be taken without consequence. Easley said that today’s guilty plea was just one example of the partnership we have with ATF and the Air Force to ensure these consequences are met.
Each of the charges carries a maximum sentence that can be served: 10 years in prison for theft, and a possible fine of $250,000 for unlawful firearm possession.
Bennie Mims, the special agent in charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, stated that “this defendant took advantage of this position, creating a potential threat to public safety.”
“There is a proper process for purchasing firearms and other related devices. The agent said that ignoring this process could result in firearms falling into the hands of dangerous and prohibited individuals.
ATF and the Air Force Office of Special Investigations are jointly investigating the case.
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