3 Virginia Marines accused in weapons scheme

[unhappycamper]

3 Virginia Marines accused in weapons scheme
By Bryan Mitchell - Staff writer
Posted : Wednesday Jul 30, 2008 6:42:37 EDT

Three Marines have been charged with a combined 18 felonies in connection with an alleged scheme to fashion stolen M4 rifle components into weapons for resale, authorities said.

Private 1st Class Michael Lee Avants, 25, has been released from Virginia Beach City Jail, while Cpl. Drew C. Turnage, 21, and Lance Cpl. Robert J. Sterling, 23, remained behind bars on Tuesday, Virginia Beach Police Department spokesman Adam Bernstein said.

All three are stationed at Camp Allen, Va., with Marines Corps Security Force Regiment.

Virginia Beach Police declined to say how investigators were tipped off about the Marine’s alleged illegal activities.

“The command is aware of the criminal charges pending against the Marines and are cooperating and assisting with both local and federal law enforcement agencies with their ongoing investigations,” Marine spokesman Lt. Col. Curtis L. Hill said in a statement. “Additionally, as a result of the arrests, the command it taking the prudent step to conduct an internal investigation into this incident.”


Rest of article at: http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/2008/07/marine_weapons_072908w/

[DCKit]

1. Any connection to gang infiltration of the military?

There's some serious gang activity going on at bases all over the world.