A U.S. Army captain based at Fort Stewart has pleaded guilty in federal court to theft and sale of government property. Jacob Suenkel, 32, of Richmond Hill, Georgia, admitted to stealing equipment from various Army units over several months between late 2024 and May 2025. The stolen items included skid-steer loaders, utility task vehicles (UTVs), trailers, generators, welders, commercial-grade hand tools, and a tractor. Suenkel then sold the equipment on social media to unsuspecting buyers.
According to the plea agreement and information presented during court proceedings, Suenkel caused financial losses exceeding $150,000. As part of his plea deal, he made an initial payment of $50,000 toward restitution and agreed to be discharged from the Army with an adverse characterization of service. This discharge will result in the loss of veterans’ benefits.
“Jacob 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. “This guilty plea offers assurance that those who commit theft will be brought to justice.”
Special Agent in Charge Ryan O’Connor of the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division’s Southeast Field Office commented on the case: “Stealing from the Army isn’t simply about lost property; it’s a matter of national security and good stewardship of taxpayer dollars. 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 ten years in prison and a fine as high as $250,000 at sentencing. He will also be required to pay restitution to his victims.
The investigation was led by the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division with help from the Richmond Hill Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy P. Dean is prosecuting the case. The United States Attorney’s Office acknowledged support from military attorneys with the Third Infantry Division’s Office of Staff Judge Advocate.