Midshipman sentenced for stealing lab equipment
ANNAPOLIS, Md. — A U.S. Naval Academy midshipman will be incarcerated for one year for stealing about $28,000 worth of lab equipment from the school to sell on eBay.
Midshipman Thomas Hayes, a senior electrical engineering major, pleaded guilty to larceny at a court martial Thursday. He told a military judge at his court martial that he was trying to help his mother, who was having financial difficulties that included a home foreclosure.
But prosecutors say Hayes managed to own a car and take a trip to Jamaica.
Hayes, a 26-year-old from South Glens Falls, N.Y., sold the equipment for only about half its value.
Capt. Bruce MacKenzie, the judge, sentenced him to three years incarceration with two years suspended. He also dismissed Hayes from the Navy and ordered him to forfeit pay.
Deputy Secretary of Defense William Lynn, center, talked about the Air Force’s refueling-plane contract as Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley, left, and Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition Technology and Logistics Ashton Carter, right, listened at the Pentagon on Wednesday. Photo by The Associated Press