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James Waleski, a former employee of the 174th Air National Guard Attack Wing, has been sentenced to five years of probation for stealing over $50,000 worth of U.S. military equipment. The 50-year-old from Jamesville admitted to taking the equipment from military stockpiles and selling it online to buyers across the United States, including in Wisconsin, Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Florida.
Waleski's scheme involved stealing items such as high-capacity magazines, bulletproof vests, radios, and cold-weather clothing. He accessed the equipment through his job as an equipment manager at the 174th Air National Guard, based at Syracuse Hancock International Airport. According to Syracuse.com, some of the stolen gear was from the Gulf War era and was set to be decommissioned, while other items were new.
The investigation, led by the New York State Police and the United States Army Criminal Investigation Division, uncovered that Waleski sold the equipment online through platforms like Facebook Marketplace and eBay. Authorities recovered thousands of dollars of military equipment, including a ballistic vest being reshipped to Russia. During the investigation, police also discovered an illegal assault rifle at Waleski's residence.
Waleski was not the only one involved in the theft. According to the New York State Police, Gordon Reynolds, a military police officer, and Joriann Garcia-Hernandez, a unit supply specialist, were also charged in connection with the thefts. Reynolds faces charges of criminal possession of stolen property and weapons charges, while Garcia-Hernandez was charged with petit larceny.
Waleski, who has been dismissed from his job, expressed remorse in court and committed to paying restitution. The exact amount of restitution is still being determined. The case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement agencies to prevent the illegal sale of military equipment and protect national security.