December 7, 2009

Army Captain pleads to embezzlement

     PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — An Army captain from Oregon has pleaded guilty to charges that he stole nearly $700,000 from the government while in Iraq.
Capt. Michael Dung Nguyen pleaded guilty Monday to theft and money-laundering charges. Sentencing is March 1. He is stationed at Fort Lewis, Wash.
     A federal grand jury indictment alleged that between April 2007 and February 2009, the 28-year-old stole more than $690,000 entrusted to him as the battalion civil affairs officer in Muqdadiyah, Iraq.
     Prosecutors say the funds were designated for local commanders in Iraq and Afghanistan for urgent humanitarian relief and reconstruction.
     The indictment alleges Nguyen used some of the money to buy new vehicles along with computers, electronics and furniture.