Date: 07-24-2024

Case Style:

United States of America v. Christopher Hammond

Case Number: 5:22-CR-00106-BO.

Judge:

Court: The United States District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina

Plaintiff's Attorney: The United States Attorney’s Office for Raleigh

Defendant's Attorney:

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Description:

Raleigh, North Carolina criminal defense lawyer represented the Defendant charged with theft of government property, wire fraud, money laundering, mail fraud and transportation of stolen goods
Army Officer Sentenced for Theft of Government Property and Ordered to Pay Half a Million Dollars

Chief Warrant Officer Three (CW3) Christopher Hammond, 38, was sentenced to 36 months for his role in a scheme that resulted in the theft of government property netted him at least $2 million in proceeds. Hammond was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $250,000 and forfeit $250,000. Hammond pled guilty to six charges, including theft of government property, wire fraud, money laundering, mail fraud and transportation of stolen goods. He was convicted by a jury on an additional count of money laundering and aiding and abetting.

“We will not tolerate military members stealing from our armed services to line their own pockets,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. “Hammond stole and then sold military scopes, weapons parts, tools, night vision goggles and ATVs meant to support our troops in the fight for freedom. Through his scheme, he had hoped to retire in style. Instead, he will be spending the next three years in prison.”

According to court documents and other information presented in court, CW3 Hammond used his position to requisition government property intended for his unit at then Ft. Bragg, now called Ft. Liberty. The property was never logged into inventory at the base but was instead sold by Hammond to various individuals. In a two-year period, CW3 Hammond received at least $1.8 million in wire transfers and other payments related to the sales, which he deposited into bank accounts controlled by him and his wife. A search warrant executed at Hammond’s home resulted in the seizure of at least 98 firearms, at least 90 military-issued spotting scopes, hundreds of other military-issued firearm accessories and items including night vision goggles and electronic equipment, and more than $100,000 in cash.

The investigation traced about 200 items sold by CW3 Hammond or held in his home as having been issued to Hammond’s military unit. The fraud was uncovered when a supplier noticed that items procured under a government contract were being sent in for warranty repairs by a private individual. Hammond’s wife, Major Heather Hammond, was also charged by the government, but was ultimately acquitted by a jury.

“This sentencing is a result of a joint investigation and Army CID’s commitment to protect the government, the Army, and most importantly, the taxpayer, from those whose actions can erode the trust and confidence in our military and warfighting capability," said Keith K. Kelly, Special Agent-in-Charge, Army Criminal Investigation Division, Fraud Field Office. “Army CID and our law enforcement partners remain committed to hold accountable those who attempt to defraud the government."

“This sentencing sends a stark warning to those who put greed above their sworn duty," stated Special Agent in Charge Christopher Dillard, Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), Mid-Atlantic Field Office. "DCIS and its investigative partners will continue to hold those accountable who abuse their official positions for personal gain and compromise the military's integrity."

"Everyday service men and women make sacrifices for our country. It is appalling Christopher Hammond stole property his fellow soldiers needed to stay safe to line his own pockets. The FBI is thankful his criminal abuse of power and betrayal didn't go unpunished," said Robert M. DeWitt, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in North Carolina.

Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Terrence W. Boyle. Defense Criminal Investigative Services (DCIS), Department of Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Barbara Kocher and Logan Liles prosecuted the case.

Outcome:

Defendant was found guilty and sentenced to 36 months. Hammond was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $250,000 and forfeit $250,000

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