NORFOLK, Va. - David Karl Becker, 24, of Norfolk, Va., pleaded guilty today to theft of government property.
Dana J. Boente, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Charles T. May Jr., the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) Acting Executive Assistant Director for Atlantic Operations; and Charles E. Smith, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ (ATF) Washington Field Division, made the announcement after Becker’s plea was accepted today by United States Magistrate Judge Lawrence R. Leonard.
Becker was indicted on Dec. 20, 2013 by a federal grand jury on charges of theft of government property, sale of stolen ammunition, and sale of stolen explosives. Becker is scheduled to be sentenced on May 9, 2014.
According to a statement of facts filed with the plea agreement, Becker, while an active duty Navy SEAL stationed in Virginia Beach, Virginia, was attempting to sell military property through an outdoor equipment auction website. NCIS agents observed Becker listing military M18 smoke grenades for sale online. On Nov. 20, 2013, an undercover agent met Becker and purchased two M18 smoke grenades, which were explosive material under federal law and the property of the United States Navy. A second purchase was arranged for Nov. 25, 2013 at Becker’s residence. That day, Becker offered to sell the undercover agent numerous firearms and items of military equipment. The undercover agent purchased two Special Forces grade gas masks and 200 rounds of 5.56 NATO ammunition from Becker. Everything purchased was property of the United States, taken by Becker from his Navy command.
The case was investigated by the Naval Criminal Investigative Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Special Assistant United States Attorney Christopher A. George prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia at http://www.justice.gov/usao/vae. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia at http://www.vaed.uscourts.gov or on https://pcl.uscourts.gov.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
