RAF Lakenheath Airman jailed for attempted larceny and false official statement

  • Published
  • By Capt. Gerianne Sanok
  • 48th Fighter Wing Legal Office
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  A 22-year-old Lakenheath Airman was sentenced Nov. 18 to six months confinement for attempted larceny from United Services Automobile Association and making a false official statement to the 48th Security Forces Squadron. 

The charges were based upon a false insurance claim that the Airman filed with the company. 

Col. William Orr, chief trial judge of the European Region, also reduced the Senior Airman Joshua Howell to E-1, and ordered forfeiture of $800 per month for six months of his military pay. 

Airman Howell pleaded guilty to filing a false insurance claim with USAA for the value of electronics and computer equipment. He also pleaded guilty to making a false official statement to Security Forces with regard to the alleged theft of his belongings. 

During the trial, Capt. James Lisher, trial counsel, brought forth the theme that actions speak louder than words and that Airman Howell's actions were not consistent with that of a victim of theft. Captain Lisher said that his actions cut through his web of deception. 

During the sentencing of the case, a trial counsel assistant said, "A stiff sentence will serve as a warning for other Airmen who may be contemplating similar crimes, to show them that there is no such thing as fast, easy money....it always comes with a price."