NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Latest on the trial of a military equipment dealer (all times local):
4 p.m.
A Tennessee man has been convicted for conspiring with soldiers to steal sensitive military equipment and sell it to foreign buyers.
A federal jury on Thursday found John Roberts, of Clarksville, guilty of conspiracy to steal and sell government property, two counts of violating the Arms Export Control Act and 10 counts of wire fraud.
Prosecutors said he faces up to five years in prison for the conspiracy charge and up to 20 years for each count of wire fraud and arms export violations.
Prosecutors said more than $1 million worth of weapons parts, body armor, helmets, gun sights and other equipment was stolen and sold in a vast black market. Six soldiers and another civilian pleaded guilty.
___
12:20 pm
A federal jury is deliberating the fate of a Tennessee man accused of conspiring with soldiers to steal sensitive military equipment and selling it to foreign buyers.
The equipment stolen from Fort Campbell, Kentucky, included weapon parts, body armor, helmets, gun sights and more.
John Roberts, of Clarksville, is charged with wire fraud, conspiracy to steal and sell government property and violating the Arms Export Control Act. Six soldiers and his civilian business partner made plea deals in exchange for their testimony. The 12-person jury started deliberations Thursday morning.
Roberts faces up to five years in prison if convicted of conspiracy and up to 20 years for each count of wire fraud and violating the Arms Export Control Act, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Roberts, 27, testified that he did not know the soldiers were bringing him stolen equipment. He also said the military items he bought and sold were commonly found in surplus stores, gun stores and on eBay.
The hottest stories ripped from the headlines, from crime to courts, legal and scandal.
