Second man convicted in theft of military equipment

A second man involved in stealing military equipment valued at more than $200,000 from Fort Gordon was sentenced to prison Thursday.

Marquette Mitchell, 38, pleaded guilty earlier this year to theft of government property. He and Omar Gavin, 34, were arrested last year after selling Army-style duffle bags full of metal equipment to recycling centers.

"We are in a time of war," U.S. District Judge J. Randal Hall told Mr. Mitchell.

"We have men and women every day who are away from their families ... they are willing to sacrifice their families ... their limbs and ultimately their lives in defense of our nation.

"You chose the wrong place and the wrong time in the wrong circumstances."

Cortez Daniels testified Thursday that Mr. Mitchell and Mr. Gavin were laborers who worked for him in equipment maintenance. The equipment they stole in July and August 2008 was in working condition, he said, and will be used again. Mr. Mitchell said he thought the equipment was set aside for disposal.

Judge Hall sentenced Mr. Mitchell to 22 months in prison to be followed by three years' probation. He must perform 150 hours of community service and repay the government $2,057 for the items not recovered.

Mr. Gavin, 34, was sentenced earlier this year to 41 months.

Reach Sandy Hodson at (706) 823-3226 or sandy.hodson@augustachronicle.com.