Related Federal Cases
$111,900 Stolen from Naval Air Station
FRESNO, Calif. – A shocking case of theft has come to light in Fresno, California, where a supervisor at the Naval Air Station in Lemoore was found guilty of stealing over $100,000.
According to court documents, Christopher Michael Whitacre, 50, of Hanford, pleaded guilty to theft in a special maritime or territorial jurisdiction. Whitacre, a supervisor at an auto service center at the Naval Air Station, stole approximately $111,900 in cash between January 1, 2011, and July 31, 2013.
Whitacre’s theft was a cleverly orchestrated scheme, where he would accept money from customers who purchased gasoline at the gas pump but then enter a lower amount for the transaction and pocket the difference. He would change the dates or amounts of gasoline delivered to the center to cover up the discrepancy between the actual amount of gasoline that was sold and the amount of gasoline purported to be sold through cash register transaction records.
The case is the product of an investigation by the Navy Criminal Investigation Service. Assistant United States Attorney Mia A. Giacomazzi is prosecuting the case.
Whitacre is scheduled to be sentenced by United States District Judge Dale A. Drozd on May 16, 2016. He faces a maximum statutory penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
Whitacre’s guilty plea is a significant blow to the community, and it highlights the need for increased vigilance in preventing such crimes. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and provide updates as more information becomes available.
The case is a reminder that no institution is immune to the threat of theft and corruption. It is up to us to hold those responsible accountable and work towards creating a safer and more just society.
Key Facts
- State: California
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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