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Retired Soldier Pleads Guilty to Theft of Government Property
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – In a shocking turn of events, Francis ‘Edward’ Roach, a 55-year-old retired soldier, pleaded guilty to theft of government property in a Newport News court. Roach, of Yorktown, is accused of receiving and selling over $800,000 worth of stolen government goods.
According to court documents, the stolen goods were initially delivered to Fort Eustis, where Roach owned and operated a local repair shop, A & E Automotive Repair of Denbigh, Inc. Roach allegedly sold the items to individuals at discounted prices, providing false explanations as to how he obtained the equipment.
The theft is linked to a larger scheme involving civilian employees of the Department of Defense, who were also retired soldiers. Roy E. Friend, the Chief of Logistics and Program Management, Aviation and Missile Command at Fort Eustis, pleaded guilty to his role in the scheme and was sentenced to 33 months in prison.
Roach faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison when sentenced on October 18. 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 G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Carol Fortine Ochoa, Inspector General, General Services Administration (GSA), Robert E. Craig, Special Agent in Charge for the Defense Criminal Investigative Service’s (DCIS) Mid-Atlantic Field Office, and Martin Culbreth, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian J. Samuels is prosecuting the case. A copy of the press release can be found on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:17-cr-108.
Key Facts
- State: Virginia
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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