Air Force News, news from Iraq - Air Force Times

Quick Links

http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2008/05/gns_jumpstart_fencetheft_050808w/
news/2008/05/gns_jumpstart_fencetheft_050808w

Guardsman charged with stealing border fence


By Carli Brosseau - Tucson Citizen via Gannett News Service
Posted : Sunday May 11, 2008 10:13:24 EDT

An Air National Guardsman assigned to protect America’s border with Mexico has been charged with selling off parts of the border’s fence.

Master Sgt. Robert J. Kelley, 48, of the Wyoming Air National Guard’s 153rd Civil Engineer Squadron, was arrested Wednesday in Phoenix on suspicion of stealing metal from the border fence and selling it, U.S. Attorney’s Office spokeswoman Sandy Raynor said. Kelley was charged with theft of government property, Raynor said.

The guardsman is accused of driving the metal from the border near Sonoita to Tucson in a government-owned dump truck while wearing his National Guard uniform, Raynor said.

She said he sold at least five loads of metal for more than $8,000, which he later spent on a pistol, a garage door opener, cowboy boots and tools.

The alleged thefts took place between December 2007 and March 2008 while Kelley was working on Operation Jump Start, Raynor said.

If convicted, he could face up to 10 years in federal prison, a $250,000 fine or both, she said.

Deidre Forster, a Wyoming National Guard spokeswoman, said Kelley was still a National Guard member. It was not clear whether he was on leave.

Contests and Promotions

Service Members Of The Year


promo Your Vote Counts!
The nomination period for the 2009 Military Times Service Members of the Year Award is closed? Return here the week of July 9th for the announcement of winners.

Win a Montague Paratrooper® Tactical Folding Mountain Bike


promo Enter To Win...
Win the Grand Prize: Montague Paratrooper® Tactical Folding Mountain Bike. Originally crafted for the U.S. Special Forces. FIRST PRIZE: Leatherman Micra Multi-Tool. 50 Winners!

Marketplace

Military Times Gear Shop


U S  Cavalry ACU Cotton Name Tapes  Set of 3 U S Cavalry ACU Cotton Name Tapes Set of 3
Official size with 3/4" letters on 1" wide tape.

Price: $10.99

Military Discounts


Save on your purchases!
In honor of your military service, you can find regular and name brand products at a special discount.

Shoplocal

  Shop Local
Local Online Deals
Find the best deals at your local stores.