Federal trial details black market for military equipment

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Military officials say more than $1 million in weapons parts and sensitive military equipment was stolen out of Fort Campbell, Kentucky, and sold in a vast black market, much of it to overseas buyers through eBay.

Testimony at the federal trial of a civilian who allegedly re-sold the equipment said it went to buyers in Russia, China, Mexico and other countries. It included machine gun and rifle parts, body armor, helmets, gun sights, generators, medical equipment and more.

John Roberts, of Clarksville, Tennessee, is charged in Nashville with wire fraud, conspiracy to steal and sell government property and violating the Arms Export Control Act.

Six soldiers and another civilian have made plea deals in exchange for their testimony. One called it "fast easy money."

The trial continued on Wednesday.

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