An Army officer stationed at Fort Liberty, formerly Fort Bragg, pleaded guilty to stealing millions of dollars worth of military equipment, including weapon parts and scopes. A jury convicted him of separate charges of money laundering and aiding and abetting.

A federal judge sentenced Chief Warrant Officer Christopher Hammond, 38, to three years in prison for his part in the scheme. He pleaded guilty to six charges, including mail fraud, money laundering and theft of government property, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office in Raleigh. 

“We will not tolerate military members stealing from our armed services to line their own pockets,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. “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.”

The fraud was exposed when a supplier observed a private individual sending government-contracted items for warranty repairs, according to a news release.

Over two years, the government said Hammond banked at least $1.8 million in wire transfers. The investigation discovered that around 200 items were either sold or found in his home after being issued to his unit, the U.S. Attorney's Office said.

During the search, law enforcement officials uncovered 98 firearms, at least 90 military-issued spotting scopes, numerous firearm accessories, night vision goggles, electronic equipment and over $100,000 in cash, officials said. 

“Everyday servicemen and women make sacrifices for our country. It is appalling Christopher Hammond stole property (that) his fellow soldiers needed to stay safe to line his own pockets. The FBI is thankful his criminal abuse of power and betrayal didn’t go unpunished,” said Robert M. DeWitt, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in North Carolina.

The judge ordered Hammond to pay $250,000 in restitution and forfeit another $250,000. His wife was also charged but later acquitted, the release said.