Unlawful Gambling Mastermind Sentenced to Imprisonment for Stealing $2 Million from the US Army
On June 17, 2021, a shocking discovery was made at Fort Hood: 17 shipping containers were found with their locks cut, and an audit revealed that 137 items were missing. The stolen items included high-tech military equipment, such as laser range finders, thermal scopes, night-vision scopes, laser aiming devices, and over 100 night-vision goggles.
The US Army launched an investigation into the theft, which soon centred around Nathan Nichols, an operator of two bars in Corpus Christi, Texas - Lady Luck and Theo's Bar. The investigation revealed that Nichols was involved in the illegal sale of the stolen military equipment.
Nichols, aged 46, pleaded guilty in March 2022 to conducting an illegal gambling business and conspiring to steal government property. He was sentenced to 27 months in prison for stealing over $2 million worth of sensitive military equipment from the US Army.
The stolen items, which were found in Nichols' possession, were originally stolen by Jessica Elaintrell Smith, another army veteran, and Brandon Dominic Brown. Smith was more deeply involved in the theft, having participated in two raids on shipping containers, while Brown only took part in one.
Smith pleaded guilty in April 2022 to one count of conspiracy to defraud the US government and was sentenced to 18 months in prison, followed by two years of post-release supervision, and ordered to pay $1.3 million in restitution. Brown pleaded guilty and was sentenced to three years probation plus a $1.3 million fine.
During raids on Nichols' bars, the stolen items were found in his residence. Nichols had other stolen items listed for sale on eBay with serial numbers matching those of the stolen military equipment.
It's worth noting that the name "Terry Nichols" appears in the context of multiple life sentences for other crimes unrelated to illegal gambling or stolen military equipment. However, he is not connected to Texas gambling operations nor Fort Hood thefts according to the available information.
Despite numerous searches, no verified details exist about a Texas gambling operator named Nathan Nichols facing sentencing for stolen military equipment from Fort Hood or related charges.
The illegal gambling activities at Nichols' bars involved 8-liners, nominally legal in Texas when they offer tickets for merchandise. However, Nichols' customers placed bets and received winnings in cash, making them illegal.
Nichols agreed to forfeit a total of $2,185,218.73 and will remain in custody pending transfer to a US Bureau of Prisons facility. This case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of illegal activities and the importance of safeguarding military equipment.
- The stolen items from Fort Hood, including high-tech military equipment and over 100 night-vision goggles, were found in the possession of Nathan Nichols, an operator of bars in Corpus Christi, Texas.
- A US Army investigation found that Nathan Nichols was involved in the illegal sale of the stolen military equipment from Fort Hood, for which he pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 27 months in prison.
- The stolen military equipment was originally stolen by Jessica Elaintrell Smith and Brandon Dominic Brown, with Smith more deeply involved in the theft than Brown.
- The stolen items were also found listed for sale on eBay with serial numbers matching those of the stolen military equipment, indicating Nichols' intent to sell the items for profit.
- This case, involving illegal gambling activities at Nichols' bars and the theft of sensitive military equipment from Fort Hood, serves as a reminder of the consequences of illegal activities and the importance of safeguarding military equipment.
