Navy Supply Chief Charged in Theft

NORFOLK -- A Navy supply chief was charged this week in federal court with stealing more than $366,000 worth of computers, televisions and other items using a government-issued credit card.

Chief Petty Officer Antonio L. Allen, 36, of Chesapeake, was arrested Tuesday and released on $5,000 bond pending arraignment in U.S. District Court Wednesday. He was charged with conspiracy, theft of public property and making false statements.

A federal indictment unsealed this week accuses Allen of using a Navy credit card as if it was his own, buying hundreds of items, some for himself and some that he sold to others.

A co-defendant, Yokeia M. Gibbs, who worked under Allen's supervision, previously pleaded guilty to related charges and is serving a two-year prison term.

Soon after taking over as supply chief at the Norfolk Naval Station bachelor housing command in summer 2005, Allen began using a government credit card for his own benefit, the indictment says.

Items such as big-screen HD televisions, computers, camcorders and digital cameras were purchased on the credit card, delivered to a Navy warehouse and removed by Allen or others, the indictment says.

He would allow petty officers to remove beds and other furniture from the warehouse without authorization, according to the indictment.

In 2006, the indictment continues, Allen used the credit card for thousands of dollars in fees for real estate investment seminars.

When confronted with the allegations in 2007, he lied to Navy investigators about the unauthorized purchases, the indictment says. Allen could not be located for comment .