Anniston, AL –In the latest news, a 62-year-old Alabama person, Steve Bonner of Goodwater was accused of conspiring in connection with a plan which illegally procured military equipment worth hundreds of thousands at the Anniston Army Depot. The verdict was made public this morning in the presence of U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona along with important representatives of the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Southeast Field Office as well as the Defense Logistics Agency Office of the Inspector General.
The verdict was handed down following the trial lasted for four days, during where the jury led by U.S. District Court Judge Corey Maze, found Bonner guilty of conspiring to rob United States property. Bonner’s part in the scheme was determined to be the role of a middleman who was responsible for selling and aiding in the transfer of military property taken out of Anniston Army Depot. Anniston Army Depot.
The evidence presented at trial revealed that Bonner was directly involved in the sales of the used military gear to purchasers. Additionally, he was implicated in the transfer of the illicitly acquired item to the owners of a surplus military store in Sylacauga. The items stolen included devices specifically designed to be attached to weapons systems used by military that provide operators with the capability to engage in nighttime combat and enhanced the acquisition of targets.
This verdict follows guilty pleas by nine others who were also involved in the investigation. This includes Eric Matraia of Munford, Stantillio Whitfield from Anniston, Tevin Fletcher of Oxford, Jerry Baker of Hokes Bluff, James Kenneth Scott, Christopher Price of Childersburg, Scott Bunch of Alexandria, Shane Farthing of Gadsden, and Kelvin Battle of Anniston. They all pleaded guilty in connection with the conspiracy to rob United States property.
The Defense Criminal Investigative Service and Defense Logistics Agency Office of Inspector General are currently looking into the allegations with assistant United States Attorneys George Martin and Ryan Rummage prosecuting the individuals who were involved. The verdicts highlight the seriousness of the way in which authorities are dealing with this issue of thefts from military gear, and are ensuring accountability for those who are involved in the shady acts.
