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Former US Forest Service Agent Pleads Guilty to Theft of Government Property
A former US Forest Service Special Agent has pleaded guilty to stealing government property, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced. Edward Williams, 49, of Auburn, California, was a Special Agent with the U.S. Forest Service in the Grass Valley field office.
According to court documents, on October 25, 2021, Williams accessed the USFS Truckee Ranger District office and stole at least 21 pieces of equipment, which were later found to be retired military-grade equipment from the U.S. Department of Defense. The equipment, known as DRMO, was not meant for Williams’ personal use or to be given to others.
Williams confessed to the theft on May 19, 2022, during a law enforcement interview. His home was subsequently searched, and dozens of pieces of equipment were seized, including some that were stolen on other occasions. The total value of the stolen items is approximately $206,371.
As part of his plea agreement, Williams agreed to return the stolen items to the USFS. The case is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General and USFS Office of Professional Responsibility, with assistance from the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General and the USFS.
Williams is scheduled to be sentenced on September 18, 2025, by U.S. District Judge Daniel J. Calabretta. He faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison.
The investigation and prosecution of this case demonstrate the government’s commitment to holding public officials accountable for their actions and protecting government property.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Denise N. Yasinow is prosecuting the case, which is a reminder that no one is above the law, and those who abuse their positions will be held accountable.
Key Facts
- State: California
- Category: Public Corruption|White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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