Airman Queried in Thefts, Dog Fighting

VALDOSTA, Ga. -- It pays to shop Craigslist.

Following up on tips concerning stolen property in another case led investigators from the Lowndes County Sheriff's Office to Craigslist, a popular Internet site advertising products and services.

On the site were a number of items that can only be obtained by active duty members of the military. Further investigation led sheriff's deputies to a 15-year active duty Airman stationed at Moody Air Force Base.

Lowndes County Sheriff Chris Prine said the man met with investigators who posed as buyers for the equipment. As details emerged of the type and quantity of military gear the technical sergeant was offering for sale, deputies requested to search his house in north Lowndes County.

"He agreed to let them search the house, showed them where his weapons were, and pointed to different pieces of equipment, telling them whether he got it from Warner-Robins AFB, where he used to be stationed, or Moody," Prine said.

"He was so unconcerned about the officers searching his home and confiscating items that he laid down on the couch and went to sleep."

Officers on Tuesday were sorting through the equipment, inventorying the pieces, and tracing their origins. The items ranged from bullet proof vests to fully stocked deployment bags. Two laptop computers, one still linked to the Department of Defense, flares that are used in search and rescue missions, brand new flight helmets, sleeping bags, Camelbaks, and a wide assortment of electronics and other gear were confiscated from the home.

Even more disturbing among the items, according to Prine, was the discovery of 10 dogs and a new litter of puppies the Airman was in possession of, along with videos, magazines and other paraphernalia tied to dog fighting.

Prine said steroids typically used to pump up a dog's muscles were found in the home, along with a heavy chain used in strength training. He said the animals at the home were in good condition, and officers were speculating that the Airman is breeding the dogs and selling the puppies for fighting.

No charges have been filed in the case yet and Prine said there may be additional airmen involved. He said the sheriff's office notified the military's Office of Special Investigations and has been working with it from the beginning. Federal charges are also a possibility in this case, he said, but couldn't yet confirm whether the technical sergeant will be charged and prosecuted by the sheriff's office or by the military, or both.

"Rob Pacciotti, Chris Burke and Troy Black all worked this case, and I wouldn't trade these guys for anything in the world," Prine said. "Burglaries have gone wild this summer and they've been working 24/7 to solve these crimes. They do a great job."

Moody officials released the following statement: "Moody leadership is aware of the ongoing Lowndes County Sheriff's Office investigation. Due to the ongoing nature of the investigation, we are unable to provide specific details at this time; however, we are providing assistance to the Lowndes County Sheriff's Office investigation as requested."