4 New Yorkers Busted Stealing & Selling Military Equipment

Four New Yorkers have been charged with multiple felonies after the New York State Police discovered that they were allegedly stealing military equipment and selling the items online and in person.

Back in June the New York State Police (NYSP) was contacted by the United States Army Criminal Investigation Division and informed that a Department of Defense federal civilian employed at the 174th Air National Guard Attack Wing in Syracuse, New York had opened a "suspicious" Facebook Marketplace account that was offering to sell military-grade equipment.

Man Allegedly Steals Military Equipment & Tries to Sell Online

The NYSP began its investigation which revealed that 50-year-old James Waleski, a Department of Defense federal civilian employed at the Syracuse Air National Guard Attack Wing allegedly stole thousands of dollars of military equipment from the 174th, the 272nd Army Military Police Detachment in Auburn, NY, and the Army National Guard 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team in Syracuse, NY.

Search Warrants Reveal Thefts

Police executed search warrants for Waleski’s residence, phone, and computer which resulted in the recovery of tens of thousands of dollars of military equipment (above) and revealed that he allegedly stole military equipment, some sensitive in nature, and sold the items online and in person. During its investigation, the NYSP also recovered thousands of dollars of military equipment from Texas, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Florida, and New York. Police also said that they recovered a ballistic vest that was being reshipped to Russia after being sold online.

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James E. Waleski of 4613 Odell Place Jamesville, NY was charged with multiple felonies including Grand Larceny, 10 Counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon, and more. 40-year-old Jennifer Waleski from the same address was also charged with Criminal Possession of Weapon 3rd degree (Assault Weapon), a felony.

Others Caught Stealing Military Equipment

During the course of this investigation, it was revealed that two members of the military were also stealing equipment from other New York bases. Gordon Reynolds, a Military Police Officer assigned to the 272nd Military Police Detachment in Auburn, NY, and Joriann Garcia-Hernandez, a Unit Supply Specialist assigned to Company D 152nd Brigade Engineer Battalion in Syracuse, were also allegedly stealing items and therefore both were charged accordingly.

This investigation continues and the NYSP is asking anyone who might have any information regarding these cases or knows anyone who has purchased military equipment from James Waleski is asked to call Investigator Carl Schneider at State Police Headquarters (315) 366-6000.