Fort Stewart officer admits to stealing, selling $150K worth of military equipment

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - A U.S. Army captain from Richmond Hill, Georgia, has pleaded guilty to stealing and selling government property from Fort Stewart.

Prosecutors say Jacob Suenkel, 32, took expensive equipment including loaders, trailers, generators, welders, tools, and even a tractor between late 2024 and May 2025.

He then sold the items through social media to unsuspecting buyers.

The thefts caused more than $150,000 in financial losses.

As part of his plea deal, Suenkel produced an initial payment of $50,000 to go toward the monetary component of his sentence, was forced out of the Army with a negative discharge, and will lose veterans’ benefits.

“Stealing from the Army isn’t simply about lost property; it’s a matter of national security and good stewardship of taxpayer dollars.” said Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division, Southeast Field Office, Special Agent in Charge Ryan O’Connor. “The Army CID, Fort Stewart Resident Agency was instrumental in the recovery of the stolen equipment and securing this prosecution. Suenkel betrayed not only the US Army, but also the trust placed in him by the American people.”

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

He will also be ordered to pay full restitution.

The case was investigated by Army CID and the Richmond Hill Police Department and is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.