A Virginia man has pleaded guilty to stealing nearly $100,000 worth of military equipment used to support the Marine One helicopter fleet that transports the president.
Branden Baker, 34, acknowledged Tuesday in federal court in Alexandria that he stole more than 50 image intensifiers.
Baker, who was an active duty Marine Staff Sergeant when the criminal acts occurred, also said he stole other night-vision equipment from Marine Helicopter Squadron One.
As a staff sergeant in the Marines, Baker would have had access to the squadron, which is headquartered at Marine Corps Base Quantico in Virginia.
Baker said he sold the stolen equipment on eBay after negotiating with buyers via email.
Authorities say the thefts occurred from 2013 through 2015, while according to Baker’s LinkedIn page, he was working as a repair lab supervisor for the US Marine Corps.
Baker faces up to 10 years in prison for theft of government property when he is sentenced in August.
The plea agreement also requires Baker to pay $94,000 in restitution.
The US Attorney’s Office did not say how he stole the equipment.
