David Karl Becker, Theft of Military Ordnance, Virginia 2014

NORFOLK, Va. – In a shocking case of military malfeasance, David Karl Becker, a 24-year-old Norfolk man, pleaded guilty to theft of government property, a crime that could send him to prison for years to come.

Becker, an active duty Navy SEAL stationed in Virginia Beach, was attempting to sell military property through an outdoor equipment auction website. NCIS agents observed Becker listing military M18 smoke grenades for sale online, which led to an undercover operation.

On November 20, 2013, an undercover agent met Becker and purchased two M18 smoke grenades, which were explosive material under federal law and the property of the United States Navy. A second purchase was arranged for November 25, 2013, at Becker’s residence, where he offered to sell the undercover agent numerous firearms and items of military equipment.

The undercover agent purchased two Special Forces grade gas masks and 200 rounds of 5.56 NATO ammunition from Becker, all of which were property of the United States taken by Becker from his Navy command.

Becker was indicted on December 20, 2013, by a federal grand jury on charges of theft of government property, sale of stolen ammunition, and sale of stolen explosives. He is scheduled to be sentenced on May 9, 2014.

The case was investigated by the Naval Criminal Investigative Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Special Assistant United States Attorney Christopher A. George prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.

Becker’s guilty plea comes as a blow to the US Navy, which has been working to root out corruption within its ranks. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability and the consequences of betraying the trust of one’s country.

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