Nashville's local news and NPR station

Ex-Fort Campbell Inspector Pleads Guilty To Fraud Charges

By

Share:
The federal indictment alleges James R. Jones stole the identities of soldiers deployed to Afghanistan earlier this year. Credit: 101st CAB via Flickr

The federal indictment alleges James R. Jones stole the identities of soldiers deployed to Afghanistan earlier this year. Credit: 101st CAB via Flickr

A former Fort Campbell inspector pleaded guilty Tuesday to charges of fraud. The soldier was accused of stealing the identities of deployed officers and taking out loans in their names.

James R. Jones has changed his tune since telling the Associated Press last year that he was innocent. He now admits to abusing his position as a waste, fraud and abuse inspector. He acknowledges using names, Social Security numbers and birth dates to obtain two loans.

The 43-year-old Sgt. 1st Class also told prosecutors he tried to conceal the fraud scheme by blaming an officer who was deceased and getting a fellow service member to destroy evidence on an Army-issued laptop.

Jones will be sentenced in August by U.S. District Court Judge Aleta Trauger. The most serious punishment could come from the bank fraud charge, which carries a maximum of 30 years in prison. The cover-up could add even more time.

Filed Under: WPLN News Tagged With: ,

Nashville Public Radio in your inbox

Sign up to get the NashVillager each weekday morning.

Blake Farmer, Host, This Is Nashville

Blake Farmer is the host of “This Is Nashville,” the flagship weekday show of Nashville Public Radio. Previously, Blake spent 16 years at WPLN News, serving as host, editor and news director. Before a two-year radio hiatus with a Nashville-based healthcare company, Blake was one of the country’s most prolific healthcare audio journalists. He produced stories for both local and national programs, extending the reach of his reporting through a partnership with KFF Health News. Outside of work, Blake can be found running or biking on roads that other Nashvillians consider too busy for such activities. So far, he has always made it home to his wife of 20 years and two children.

on-air light On Air - 90.3 WPLN-FM

Loading schedule...