Tamoshion Rucker, Theft of Government Property, Texas 2022

HOUSTON, Texas - In a shocking case of government property theft, Tamoshion Rucker, a 26-year-old man, has pleaded guilty to selling stolen Image Intensifier Tubes (IITs) worth over $103,000, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Rucker's guilty plea is a significant blow to the U.S. Army, which had entrusted him with sensitive equipment during his service as a radio and communications security repairer from 2018 to 2022.

According to the investigation, Rucker attempted to sell five IITs for $3,000 and later agreed to exchange the remaining 50 IITs for an additional $32,000. Authorities detained Rucker on the day of the transaction, carrying a box containing 45 IITs bearing contract numbers. The total estimated value of all recovered IITs exceeds $103,000.

Rucker's actions are a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding sensitive government technology and equipment. IITs, which are used in government contracts, require demilitarization at the end-of-life cycle use, which involves striking them with a ball peen hammer, ensuring destruction, and disposing of the fragments in accordance with hazardous waste guidelines. The sale of these tubes is strictly prohibited, and Rucker's actions put national security at risk.

The investigation, which began in December 2022, was conducted by the FBI and Army Criminal Investigative Division with assistance from the Texas Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carolyn Ferko is prosecuting the case.

Rucker has agreed to sell five IITs for $3,000 and exchange the remaining 50 IITs for an additional $32,000. He faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. U.S. District Judge David Hittner has set sentencing for August 8.

Rucker was permitted to remain on bond pending sentencing. The case serves as a warning to those who would seek to exploit their positions of trust for personal gain. The U.S. Attorney's Office will continue to work tirelessly to protect national security and uphold the law.

In a statement, U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani said, 'The sale of sensitive government equipment is a serious crime that puts national security at risk.' He added, 'We will continue to investigate and prosecute those who would seek to exploit their positions for personal gain.'

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdtx/pr/former-enlistee-admits-theft-us-army