San Diego

A civilian computer repairman at the Naval Supply Center has been charged with stealing $20,000 to $40,000 worth of government computer equipment, clothing and medical supplies, the Navy announced Thursday.

James A. Jester of San Ysidro allegedly took the items from the supply center’s warehouse beginning in May, said Chief Petty Officer Craig Huebler, a Navy spokesman. Jester was working for an Oakland firm that had a contract with the Navy to maintain computer equipment at the warehouse, Huebler said.

An investigation by the federal Marshal’s Service, the Naval Investigative Service and the FBI was launched after reports of suspicious activity at the supply center, Huebler said.

Most of the stolen items were recovered when investigators searched Jester’s home, Huebler said. Jester allegedly attempted to sell some stolen computers to a local businessman, Huebler added. Jester is being held at the Metropolitan Correctional Center. Bail has been set at $50,000.