Lt. Col. Strom and Major Wild Swindled Marine Corps Out of $205K

San Diego – A major conspiracy to swindle the U.S. Marine Corps out of over $205,000 has landed former Lieutenant Colonel Michael K. Strom and Major Jason H. Wild behind bars. Both reservists were sentenced for their roles in a fraudulent scheme that spanned four years.

Lt. Col. Strom was handed three months in custody, followed by six months’ community confinement, and ordered to pay $205,628 in forfeiture and restitution. He pretended to rent the home of Maj. Wild, who in return claimed to rent Strom’s property. Both men submitted fake lease agreements and rental receipts, though they both owned homes next to Camp Pendleton.

Maj. Wild was sentenced on February 21, 2017, to nine months in custody with six months of community confinement, along with the same forfeiture judgment and restitution order.

During their respective trials, evidence revealed neither defendant paid the claimed rent. Acting U.S. Attorney Alana W. Robinson emphasized the severity of military personnel defrauding funds meant for national defense, noting the crime robbed service members of essential resources.

The investigation was a joint effort between the Department of Defense, Defense Criminal Investigative Service; Naval Criminal Investigative Service; and Department of Homeland Security’s Inspector General Office. Special Agent Chris Hendrickson praised the collaborative efforts in holding these former officers accountable for their greed over duty.

Gunnar Newquist, NCIS Southwest Field Office Special Agent, highlighted the teamwork that led to the convictions, serving as a deterrent against those who prioritize personal gain over public trust.