134 Prosecuted in Pendleton Sting
A two-year undercover “sting” investigation of supply thefts from Camp Pendleton has resulted in the prosecution of 134 people and the recovery of nearly $1.5 million in stolen gas masks, flak vests, fatigues and other items, Sen. Pete Wilson (R-Calif.) said Friday.
Wilson updated results of the joint FBI-Naval Investigative Service probe, code-named “Operation Rip-Stop,” while announcing plans to conduct hearings as chairman of the Senate’s special Task Force on Military Inventory Management.
The first hearing, scheduled next month in Washington, will focus on ammunition thefts, Wilson said.
Authorities revealed in November, 1984, that they had operated a surplus storefront in Oceanside and purchased pilfered field equipment from hundreds of service personnel. The gear was then sold to surplus wholesalers who ignored undercover agents’ warnings that the items were stolen.
Those subsequently arrested have included Marines, their relatives, ex-servicemen and surplus dealers.
Get the L.A. Times Politics newsletter
Deeply reported insights into legislation, politics and policy from Sacramento, Washington and beyond. In your inbox three times per week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
