Former enlistee admits to theft from U.S. Army

HOUSTON – A 26-year-old man has pleaded guilty to selling stolen government property, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. 

Tamoshion Rucker previously served in the U.S. Army from 2018 to 2022 as a radio and communications security repairer and was a former member of the U.S. Army Reserves.

As part of his plea, Rucker admitted he attempted to sell Image Intensifier Tubes (IITs) for personal gain. Manufacture of IITs fulfill government contracts which are not available or authorized for sale to the public.

The investigation began in December 2022 when authorities attempted to retrieve stolen IITs Rucker posted for sale on eBay.  

To safeguard this technology and equipment, IITs require demilitarization at the end-of-life cycle use. The instructions allegedly involve striking them with a ball peen hammer, ensuring destruction and that disposal of the fragments are made in accordance with hazardous waste guidelines. IITs cannot be resold or otherwise transferred to anyone after already being used.

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

U.S. District Judge David Hittner accepted the plea and has set sentencing for Aug. 8. At that time, he faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.

He was permitted to remain on bond pending sentencing.   

The FBI and Army Criminal Investigative Division conducted the investigation with assistance from Texas Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carolyn Ferko is prosecuting the case.