Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Last updated 1:55 p.m. PT

http://www.seattlepi.com/local/435078_army08.html

An Army officer previously stationed at Fort Lewis pleaded guilty Tuesday to stealing $47,000 meant to help Iraqis.

U.S. Army Maj. Kevin J. Schrock, 40, admitted to stealing money meant for humanitarian purposes in Iraq while deployed in Mosul, according to a U.S. Attorney's Office statement. He pleaded guilty to money laundering in U.S. District Court in Tacoma.

According to the statement, Schrock was serving with the 1st Brigade of the 25th Infantry Division in 2004 and 2005 when he was assigned to distribute money for humanitarian needs and rebuilding projects. Instead, Schrock took the money home and deposited in a Lacey bank account.

Speaking with investigators in June, Schrock admitted to smuggling $45,000 out of Iraq and depositing the money in his personal accounts, according to the statement.

While still facing a prison term, Schrock has agreed to repay $47,461 taken from the government. The Brandenberg, Ky., resident is scheduled to be sentenced June 10 by U.S. District Court Judge Ronald B. Leighton in Tacoma.