Dugway official removed from job after military theft indictment

DUGWAY PROVING GROUND, Utah, Feb. 8, 2017 (Gephardt Daily) — A Dugway Proving Ground official has been removed from his job as director of Dugway’s Logistics Readiness Center after being charged with stealing military equipment.

Phillip Tomac, director of logistics at Dugway, also has been barred from the Army post. Tomac was named in an indictment that alleges the thefts happened during a 5-year-period ending last month. The indictment offered little detail about the alleged theft, but two officials told USA Today that the gear includes rifle scopes.

According to a press release from Dugway Proving Ground, Tomac was removed as the supply and logistics director. Tomac’s position will be filled by an acting director pending the outcome of the investigation.

“Allegations of misconduct are taken very seriously by Dugway and Army leadership,” said Vincent Liddiard, chief of staff at Dugway. “This situation is not representative of the nearly 2,000 dedicated, hardworking employees that live and work at Dugway and, on a daily basis, support the readiness of our war fighters and protect our nation.”

USA Today, citing information given by Army officials and in court documents, is accused of stealing equipment that includes scopes for sniper rifles. In all, it could be worth millions if sold on the black market. Tomac is paid about $79,000 per year, USA Today said.

Tomac, a former Marine, has been director of the Logistics Readiness Center at Dugway since late 2012. He was a Marine for more than than two decades, and retired in 2006 as a warrant officer, according to the Marine Corps.

According to court documents, the investigation began in 2012 after a routine inspection of a barracks when a sergeant discovered unauthorized gear in the locker of an airman.