Four Upstate New Yorkers, including a Rome resident, have been arrested on charges of stealing and selling high-end military gear, according to an announcement made by the New York State Police in Oneida.
The NYSP Community Stabilization Unit recently led a month-long investigation into the theft and resale of government-owned military equipment. Troopers have now announced the arrest of several individuals in connection with this case on Monday.
James E. Waleski, aged 50 and residing at 4613 Odell Place in Jamesville, NY.
The crime of Grand Larceny in the second degree is considered a Class C felony.
• Possessing high-capacity magazines is considered a criminal offense, specifically under the Criminal Possession of a Weapon 3rd degree charge, which carries a D-Felony.
“Assault Weapon” is a charge for Criminal Possession of Weapon in the 3rd degree, which is classified as a Class D felony.
Jennifer Waleski, a 40-year-old resident of 4613 Odell Place Jamesville, NY, has been charged with the unlawful sale of body armor, which is classified as an A-misdemeanor.
Gordon D. Reynolds (44) from Chittenango, NY has been charged with Criminal Possession of Weapon 3rd degree – Assault Weapon, which is a D-Felony.
The offense of possessing stolen property of the fourth degree is considered a felony of the E class.
• Possession of an assault weapon in the third degree is considered a D-Felony under Criminal Possession of Weapon laws. *
Joriann Garcia-Hernandez, aged 38 and residing at 143 Air City Blvd in Rome, NY, has been charged with Criminal Possession of a Weapon 3rd degree – High-Capacity Magazine, a D-Felony offense.
Trooper Jack Keller stated that employees at the 174th Air National Guard in Syracuse were responsible for the theft of items classified as Petit Larceny, an A-Misdemeanor. The stolen items were then sold on Facebook Marketplace, with some even making their way to Russia, as reported by the police.
Details from NYSP
In June, the United States Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID) contacted State Police to report a suspicious Facebook Marketplace account belonging to James Waleski, a Department of Defense federal civilian employed at the 174th Air National Guard Attack Wing in Syracuse, NY. According to the CID, Waleski was attempting to sell military-grade equipment that was not available to the general public. Upon investigation, State Police executed search warrants on Waleski’s residence, phone, and computer, leading to the recovery of tens of thousands of dollars worth of military equipment that had been stolen from the 174th, the 272nd Army Military Police Detachment in Auburn, NY, and the Army National Guard 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team in Syracuse, NY.
After delving deeper into the matter, it was discovered that Waleski had been involved in stealing military equipment, including some highly sensitive items, and then selling them both online and in person. The New York State Police were able to recover a significant amount of military equipment, worth thousands of dollars, from various locations such as Texas, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Florida, as well as from Taberg and Flushing, NY. One instance stood out, where investigators were able to seize a ballistic vest that was about to be reshipped to Russia.
Upon conducting a search warrant at the Waleski residence, law enforcement officials discovered an unlawful assault rifle that was not acquired through the individual’s position as a federal employee.
As the investigation progressed, it came to light that Reynolds, a Military Police Officer stationed with the 272nd Military Police Detachment in Auburn, NY, and Garcia-Hernandez, a Unit Supply Specialist with Company D 152nd Brigade Engineer Battalion in Syracuse, were also involved in pilfering goods. Consequently, they were charged accordingly.
The State Police Community Stabilization Unit spearheaded this inquiry, with support from the State Police Violent Gangs & Narcotics Enforcement Team, the State Police Counter Terrorism & Intelligence Unit, the Federal Bureau of Investigation – Syracuse Office, the Madison County District Attorney’s Office, Army Criminal Investigations Division, Air Force Office of Special Investigations, Command Staff at the 174th, the 272nd, and the 27th. The Onondaga County District Attorney William Fitzpatrick’s office worked closely with and coordinated the investigation.
If you have any information regarding the ongoing investigation or if you have purchased military equipment from James Waleski, the troopers urge you to come forward and contact Investigator Carl Schneider at State Police Headquarters in Oneida. You can reach him at (315) 366-6000. Your cooperation can help in resolving this case.