A Georgia man was sentenced to 23 months in prison for stealing military equipment, according to the Department of Justice.

Mikel Parish, 28, was sentenced Tuesday and ordered to pay $208,024.57 in restitution. After his prison time, Parish will have three years of supervised release.

Parish was working as a distribution process worker at the Defense Logistics Agency at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, between April 2015 and March 2016. The agency provides storage and distribution support to the base and distributes supplies to all branches of the U.S. military around the world.

Parish was responsible for entering data about those supplies when Griffin Police Department contacted Air Force Security Forces. According to the police department, Parish was pawning and selling what appeared to be military equipment, which military investigators confirmed.

The investigation revealed that Parish used his work badge to access DLA before and after normal work hours. He would then steal equipment, including copper wire spools, ballistic vests and rifle scopes, according to the DoJ.

Charles Peeler, the United States attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, said prosecuting government theft and fraud is one of his priorities.

“Stealing from our armed forces even as they are engaged in violent conflict in defense of our nation is simply reprehensible,” Peeler said in the release. “I commend the cooperation between the Griffin police and the RAFB investigators which uncovered Mr. Parish’s theft and brought him to justice.”

Charlsy is a Reporter and Engagement Manager for Military Times. Email her at cpanzino@militarytimes.com.

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