Army officer sentenced for stealing, selling military weapons, scopes, night goggles
An army officer was sentenced to three years in prison for stealing and selling over $2 million in military guns and equipment, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina announced Wednesday.
Chief Warrant Officer Christopher Hammond, 38, pleaded guilty to six charges of theft of government property, wire fraud, money laundering and more.
In addition to his prison term, Hammond was ordered to pay $250,000 in restitution and forfeit $250,000, according to a news release.
While stationed at Fort Liberty, formerly Fort Bragg, Hammond used his position to acquire equipment meant for his unit, the release stated.
The property wasn’t logged in inventory, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Instead, Hammond sold it, earning at least $1.8 million in wire payments, as well as other payments for the sales that he deposited into bank accounts controlled by him and his wife.
Firearms and spotting scopes
In searching Hammond’s home, investigators found at least 98 firearms, 90 military-issued spotting scopes and other accessories, including night vision goggles. They also seized $100,000 in cash.
“We will not tolerate military members stealing from our armed services to line their own pockets,” U.S. Attorney Michael Easley said in the news release.
“Hammond stole and then sold military scopes, weapons parts, tools, night vision goggles and ATVs meant to support our troops in the fight for freedom,” Easley said “Through his scheme, he had hoped to retire in style. Instead, he will be spending the next three years in prison.”
Court documents indicting Hammond for the theft do not disclose the identities of his buyers. An Associated Press investigation from 2021 found that at least 1,900 military firearms were lost or stolen in the 2010s. Some have been used to commit violent crimes.
Hammond’s lawyers could not immediately be reached for comment.
This story was originally published July 24, 2024 at 4:48 PM.
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