Army reservist stole $53,000 while on the job

An enlisted Army reservist soldier pleaded guilty Monday in federal court to defrauding the government of at least $53,000.

Sgt. 1st Class Jared Romine Barton, 39, of Nauvoo, Alabama, submitted false travel claims and time cards for reimbursement for travel he didn’t take, according to a U.S. Attorney’s Office release.

The false travel claims happened from 2016 to 2020 while he was working both as an active Army reservist and an Army civilian employee, according to the release.

RELATED

Former Army warrant officer sentenced in $3.7 million government fraud

The warrant officer must pay back the money.

By Todd South

“The defendant defrauded the Department of Defense while wearing the uniform of the country,” U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona said in the release.

Barton faces a maximum prison term of up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

His sentencing hearing is scheduled for May 2. Information about his military status was not immediately available.

In Other News

As the VA secretary departs, focus remains on outreach, trust

VA care and benefits have seen signifcant growth in recent years, a trend that the outgoing secretary hopes will continue.

Advocates fear dismantling of DOD’s extremism prevention, DEI programs

Trump’s choice for defense secretary said DEI programs eroded the military's values and described anti-extremism policies as a "purge."

Opinion

Why the military’s approach to its suicide epidemic is failing

In this opinion piece, the chairman of Boulder Crest Foundation argues that current military suicide prevention efforts are falling short.

VA acknowledges significant errors in budget shortfall predictions

Department leaders had warned of funding gaps of up to $18 billion but now believe those estimates were too high.

Women in combat ‘proficient,’ SecDef says, dismissing calls for change

Austin praised women in the military and said they should not be removed from front-line fighting posts.

Load More