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Fort Stewart Captain Pleads Guilty to $150K Theft of Army Equipment

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By Carol A. Moore |

LANIER COUNTY, Georgia – A U.S. Army captain stationed at Fort Stewart has pleaded guilty to stealing and selling more than $150,000 worth of government property, a betrayal of trust that federal prosecutors say shook the tight-knit military community.

Capt. Jacob Suenkel, 32, of Richmond Hill, Georgia, admitted in a federal courtroom to stealing heavy machinery, vehicles and tools from the base over a period stretching from late 2024 through May 2025. Among the stolen equipment were skid-steer loaders, utility task vehicles (UTVs), trailers, generators, welders, commercial-grade hand tools and a tractor, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Georgia.

Prosecutors said Suenkel used social media platforms, including Facebook Marketplace, to sell the equipment to unsuspecting buyers, profiting off the stolen property. In one instance, court documents revealed Suenkel took a Bobcat skid-steer loader on Feb. 15 and sold it just four days later for about $22,000.

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

Under the terms of his plea agreement, Suenkel has made an initial $50,000 restitution payment and agreed to an other-than-honorable discharge, which strips him of veterans’ benefits. He also faces up to 10 years in federal prison, a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release and additional restitution when sentenced.

The thefts sent shockwaves through Fort Stewart, where Suenkel had been a respected officer before the scheme unraveled. Army officials declined to comment further, citing the pending sentencing phase of the case.

Sentencing has not yet been scheduled, but prosecutors indicated they may recommend a sentence at the low end of the federal guidelines due to Suenkel’s cooperation and partial restitution.

The investigation was conducted by the Army Criminal Investigation Division and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Key Points

  • Theft occurred late 2024 through May 2025.

  • Stolen items included construction-grade equipment and tools.

  • Items were sold via social media platforms.

  • Suenkel faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

  • Initial $50,000 payment has been made toward restitution.

  • He will be discharged with loss of veterans’ benefits.

Posted in First Responses

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