A commissioned officer in the U.S. Army awaits sentencing after pleading guilty in federal court to theft and sale of government property.

As described in the plea agreement and in information presented in court proceedings, Jacob Suenkel, 32, of Richmond Hill, stole valuable equipment from various units at Fort Stewart on multiple occasions extending from late 2024 through May 2025, all while serving as a captain in the Army. The stolen equipment included costly items such as skid-steer loaders, UTVs, trailers, generators, welders, commercial grade hand tools, and a tractor. After stealing these items, Suenkel would then market them for sale on social media and sell them to unsuspecting buyers.

As part of the plea agreement, Suenkel admitted that the total amount of financial loss caused by his actions exceeded $150,000, produced an initial payment of $50,000 to go toward the monetary component of his sentence, and agreed to be discharged from the Army with an adverse characterization of service, which will result in the loss of veterans’ benefits.

“Jacob Suenkel violated the trust of his employer and unsuspecting buyers, and is being held accountable for his theft,” said U.S. Attorney Meg Heap. “This guilty plea offers assurance that those who commit theft will be brought to justice.”

“Stealing from the Army isn’t simply about lost property; it’s a matter of national security and good stewardship of taxpayer dollars.” said Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division, Southeast Field Office, Special Agent in Charge Ryan O’Connor. “The Army CID, Fort Stewart Resident Agency was instrumental in the recovery of the stolen equipment and securing this prosecution. Suenkel betrayed not only the US Army, but also the trust placed in him by the American people.”

At sentencing, the potential penalties include up to 10 years of imprisonment and a $250,000 fine. Additionally, Suenkel will be ordered to pay restitution to the victims of his crimes.

This case was investigated by the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division with assistance from the Richmond Hill Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Timothy P. Dean. The United States Attorney’s Office extends its thanks to the military attorneys of the Third Infantry Division’s Office of the Staff Judge Advocate for their coordination and assistance with this matter.