Man sentenced for theft of U.S. government helicopter parts
Douglas Zych of McKeesport was placed on six months’ probation and ordered to pay $425,000.
By the MVI
A McKeesport man pleaded guilty in federal court Thursday to a charge of theft of government property and was sentenced to six months of probation and ordered to pay a judgment to the United States of $425,000, U.S. Attorney Troy Rivetti announced.
Douglas Zych, 70, pleaded guilty to one count before Senior U.S. District Judge David S. Cercone and was sentenced on Thursday.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Zych cannibalized parts of a Huey-1 helicopter entrusted to the care and custody of a museum and sold them.
The museum had obtained the aircraft pursuant to the Federal Surplus Property Donation Program, which is administered by the U.S. General Services Administration and provides donees such as museums with surplus government property for use in a manner consistent with the donee’s mission.
During the first five years of the donation, title to the property remains vested in the United States, with title then reverting to the donee after five years. The pilfering of the parts in this case occurred while the helicopter was vested in the United States.
“Douglas Zych stole property donated, and still owned, by the U.S. government in an attempt to profit from its sale,” Rivetti said. “The conversion of government property for personal enrichment that has been donated and intended to benefit the public is a violation of the law. Our office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who engage in such illegal activity.”
“The integrity of the GSA Federal Surplus Property Program depends on the integrity of its participants and their commitment to serving the public good. Any attempt to exploit the program for personal gain is unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” said Special Agent in Charge Elisa Pellegrini of the U.S. General Services Administration Office of Inspector General Mid-Atlantic Investigations Division. “GSA OIG remains committed to rooting out corruption and ensuring that taxpayer funded programs operate with the highest standards of honesty, accountability, and oversight.”
