A security forces airman at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio was arrested Tuesday and charged with stealing government property, according to court documents.
Senior Airman Zachary Sizemore, with the 88th Security Forces Squadron, allegedly sold at least 38 pieces of military equipment through eBay between 2013 and 2016 for a total value of about $50,000, according to the documents.
The Defense Department's Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Homeland Security Department and Air Force Office of Special Investigations are working together to investigate the unauthorized sale of the military-grade night-vision devices.
Records from eBay and PayPal show that between July 14, 2013, and June 11, 2016, Sizemore created postings for at least 45 pieces of night-vision or thermal equipment, according to the court documents.
These items included 11 PAQ-4C infrared aiming lights, eight PVS-7 night-vision goggles, eight Aimpoint CompM4 Red Dot Sights, six PVS-14 night-vision goggles, four Insight Technology AN/PAS-23 Mini Thermal Monoculars with infrared laser, two AN/PEQ-2A target pointer/illuminating/aiming lights, and one Aimpoint CompM2 Red Dot Sight.
PayPal and eBay records show that on May 27, Sizemore sold a Harris Corp. Army/Navy PVS-7D night-vision goggle device, which contained the most recent generation of night-vision technology, the documents said. Sizemore received $1,713.45 for the device. On June 9, in accordance with a search warrant, DCIS and Homeland Security agents seized the package containing the night-vision goggles. The package had Sizemore's name and address as the shipper.
He also sold an L-3 Communications Corp. Mini-Thermal Monocular on May 27 for $3,450, which agents seized on June 14. On Oct. 12, agents learned that Sizemore was attempting to sell another Mini Thermal Monocular, according to court documents. On Oct. 15, an undercover agent spoke with Sizemore through eBay about buying the device. On Oct. 17, the undercover agent won the auction of the monocular for $4,055, and Sizemore shipped it to a Queens, New York, address provided by the agent.
Sizemore faced a hearing in federal court in Dayton, Ohio, and will report to the Eastern District of New York for his arraignment.
According to a complaint and affidavit written by a DCIS agent, Sizemore's Air Force duties include "serving as a liaison with civilian and military law enforcement, escorting munitions shipments, performing inspections, and controlling entry into restricted areas."
He also served as the security forces armorer, which means he was responsible for inventory control of military equipment, including night-vision devices, according to the affidavit. It also said Sizemore was responsible for ensuring the accountability of more than $2.9 million in weapons, ammunition and communications equipment.
His training as a Tactical Automated Security System operator gave him knowledge of an Air Force intrusion detection and surveillance system, the affidavit said.
The military prohibits the sale of fully functional, military-issued night-vision equipment on websites such as eBay. Someone who steals government property costing more than $1,000 can be prosecuted as a felon and is subject to up to 10 years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000, or both.
Air Force officials said Sizemore entered active duty in 2010 and has received the Air Force Achievement Medal. A Wright-Patterson Air Force Base spokesperson referred queries to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York.
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Charlsy Panzino covers the Guard and Reserve, training, technology, operations and features for Army Times and Air Force Times. Email her at cpanzino@militarytimes.com.
Charlsy is a Reporter and Engagement Manager for Military Times. Email her at cpanzino@militarytimes.com.
