San Diego

The last defendants in the “Operation Rip-stop” FBI sting investigation into stolen Camp Pendleton gear were sentenced Tuesday.

Mark Saltzman, 31, a buyer for American Waste Fibers of Chicago, was given seven years in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Earl Gilliam, who said he was “the most culpable” among the three defendants.

His father, George Saltzman, the owner and president of the firm, received a 30-month term and a $10,000 fine. His son also was fined $10,000.

A company employee, Sheldon Wechter, 32, was given 60 days, fined $2,000, and placed on five years’ probation.

The judge denied requests that they serve their sentences in the Chicago area so their families could visit them.

The firm itself was placed on five years’ probation, ordered not to buy or receive U.S. military gear, and fined $7,500.

The defendants were convicted Sept. 3 in a jury trial of conspiracy to receive stolen U.S. military gear. Mark Saltzman was found guilty of 11 counts of receipt of stolen property and his father was convicted of five counts.

Additionally, Mark Saltzman was convicted of 11 counts of unlawful purchase of military property and George Saltzman was found guilty of three counts.

Assistant U.S. Atty. Pam Naughton said the firm has been barred from future work with the U.S. government.

A total of 104 people have been convicted and sentenced in federal court and 43 Marines have been court-martialed in connection with the investigation.