Branden Roy Baker, Theft of Government Property, Virginia 2015

A Stafford man has been brought to justice for stealing nearly $100,000 worth of military equipment from the helicopter squadron responsible for the transportation of the President of the United States.

Branden Roy Baker, 34, pleaded guilty to theft of government property in a federal court in Alexandria, Virginia, on [no exact date given].

According to the statement of facts filed with the plea agreement, Baker stole at least 51 image intensifiers tubes and other night vision parts worth approximately $94,392 from Marine Helicopter Squadron One (HMX-1) between approximately September 2013 to April 2015.

Baker typically negotiated the sales of the stolen equipment via email after identifying potential buyers on eBay.com.

He faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison when sentenced on August 11. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The case was announced by Dana J. Boente, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; and Jeremy Gauthier, Special Agent in Charge of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) Washington D.C. Field Office, after U.S. District Judge Leonie M. Brinkema accepted the plea. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Andres E. Vasquez and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael E. Rich are prosecuting the case.

Branden Roy Baker’s plea comes after a thorough investigation by the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) and cooperation from eBay.com in identifying potential buyers of the stolen equipment.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:15-cr-91.

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