Former Marine Gets Prison for Lejeune Scam

NORFOLK, Va. -- A former Marine Corps sergeant was sentenced Wednesday to 13 months in federal prison after admitting that he stole more than $87,000 by filing phony government travel vouchers and misusing fuel cards.

Donald K. Duru, 28, of Tampa, Fla., also was sentenced to three years of probation with 10 months to be served on home confinement. Duru previously pleaded guilty to theft of government property.

In 2009 and 2010, Duru was an administrator for the Defense Travel System while stationed at Camp Lejeune, N.C., and while deployed aboard the amphibious assault ship Bataan.

Duru admitted that in that time he filed phony travel vouchers in the names of fellow service members, diverting around $69,000 to his bank account. He also admitted stealing thousands more in unauthorized purchases using government fuel cards.

Prosecutors said Duru used the money for personal expenses, shared some with family members and paid off a car loan.

U.S. District Judge Raymond A. Jackson ordered Duru to repay the government $87,800, the total amount of the government's loss.