Anniston, AL – In a recent development, a 62-year-old Alabama man, Steve Bonner of Goodwater, has been found guilty of conspiracy in connection to a scheme that illicitly procured military equipment valued in the millions from the Anniston Army Depot. The conviction was officially announced on Monday by U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona, alongside key representatives from the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Southeast Field Office, and the Defense Logistics Agency Office of the Inspector General.
The verdict was delivered after a four-day trial, during which the jury, presided over by U.S. District Court Judge Corey Maze, found Bonner guilty of conspiring to steal United States property. Bonner’s role in the operation was identified as that of a middleman, responsible for both selling and facilitating the sale of military property that had been pilfered from the Anniston Army Depot.
Evidence presented during the trial highlighted Bonner’s direct involvement in selling the stolen military equipment to buyers. Moreover, he was implicated in delivering the illicitly obtained property to the owner of a military surplus store located in Sylacauga. The stolen items encompassed equipment specifically designed for attachment to military weapon systems, providing operators with capabilities for nighttime engagement and improved target acquisition.
This conviction comes in the wake of guilty pleas from nine other individuals implicated in the investigation. These include Eric Matraia of Munford, Stantillio Whitfield of Anniston, Tevin Fletcher of Oxford, Jerry Baker of Hokes Bluff, James Kenneth Scott, Christopher Price of Childersburg, Scott Bunch of Alexandria, Shane Farthing of Gadsden, and Kelvin Battle of Anniston. All pleaded guilty to charges related to the conspiracy to steal United States property.
The Defense Criminal Investigative Service and Defense Logistics Agency Office of Inspector General are actively investigating the cases, with Assistant United States Attorneys George Martin and Ryan Rummage prosecuting the individuals involved. The convictions underscore the seriousness with which the authorities are addressing the theft of military equipment, ensuring accountability for those involved in such illicit activities.
