Zachary Sizemore, Theft of Military-Issued Night Vision Equipment, Ohio 2016

Active-duty U.S. Air Force member Zachary Sizemore is accused of betraying his uniform by stealing and selling advanced military night vision equipment online. Sizemore, stationed at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio, made his initial court appearance in Brooklyn, New York, facing federal charges for theft and unauthorized sale of military-issued gear. He was released on a $50,000 bond.

The arrest went down on November 29, 2016, at Wright-Patterson AFB, where Sizemore was taken into custody on suspicion of siphoning high-tech combat gear meant for American warfighters. That same day, he appeared before U.S. Chief Magistrate Judge Sharon L. Ovington in Dayton before being ordered to Brooklyn for prosecution. The case is being handled by the Eastern District of New York, where the charges were formally announced.

According to the criminal complaint, between July 2013 and November 2016, Sizemore sold or attempted to sell at least three stolen night vision devices— including an AN/PVS-7D night vision goggle and two mini-thermal monoculars. On top of that, he posted roughly 45 items on online marketplaces, describing them as night vision or thermal equipment. At least 38 of those items moved for a total of approximately $50,000.

Federal officials aren’t mincing words. Robert L. Capers, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, slammed the defendant’s actions: “Our military’s night vision technology is among the most advanced in the world. As alleged, the defendant made stolen, military-issued, night vision devices available on the internet to anyone with the means to purchase them.” Capers warned that such thefts jeopardize the lives of American soldiers in combat.

The Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) are leading the charge. DCIS Special Agent-in-Charge Craig Rupert emphasized that this case represents a direct threat to national security and warfighter safety. HSI’s Angel M. Melendez added that Sizemore, as an active-duty airman, violated the core oath to protect the nation. “He stole gear that gives our military the edge,” Melendez said. “We’re not letting that slide.”

Under U.S. military policy, fully functional night vision gear—especially components built to military specs—must be destroyed before leaving government control. Selling it is strictly forbidden. The charges against Sizemore include theft and unauthorized sale of government property. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in prison, forfeiture of all proceeds, and a fine of up to $250,000. The complaint remains an allegation; Sizemore is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

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