Former Sierra Army Depot employee sentenced for stealing military equipment

Reno resident Tony Herrin, 36, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Kimberly J. Mueller to two years and nine months in prison and ordered to pay restitution of $411,333 for theft of government property, United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced.

According to court documents, Herrin worked as a civilian employee at the Sierra Army Depot (SIAD) in Herlong, CA. As part of his job responsibilities, Herrin received, catalogued, and inventoried military equipment returned from Iraq and Afghanistan. Herrin worked in the same building as co-worker Devon Biggs, who pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 16 months in prison in a related case. While working at SIAD, Herrin and Biggs stole numerous items of sophisticated military equipment. Herrin played a role in stealing 10 Taser devices, three Vectronix target acquisition systems (total value $221,787), six military grade flashlights (total value $11,267), and 25 thermal imaging sights. The total value of all these items is approximately $411,000. On at least two occasions, Herrin and Biggs met with potential buyers for the military equipment.

This case was the product of investigation by the Law Enforcement Division of the United States Army, Naval Criminal Investigative Service, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Jean Hobler and Christiaan Highsmith prosecuted the case.