Staff Sergeant Sentenced After Homeland Security Probe

Soldier using laptop with US flag patch visible.

Staff Sergeant Thomas J. Fazio II’s guilty plea results in a significant sentence and marks concerning scrutiny of ARCYBER personnel.

At a Glance

Staff Sergeant Fazio sentenced to five years of probation.
Conviction followed Homeland Security investigation revealing illegal firearms.
Fazio fined $2,500 for possession of an unregistered firearm.
Further inquiries involve the Department of Justice.

Five Years of Probation and $2,500 Fine

Staff Sergeant Thomas J. Fazio II, based at Fort Eisenhower with the Army Cyber Command (ARCYBER), was sentenced to five years of probation and fined $2,500 following his guilty plea for illegal firearm possession. The sentence came after a May 2023 Homeland Security investigation intercepted suspected firearm silencers being shipped to his address. Subsequent searches uncovered several illegal firearms at his residence.

Fazio, 41, residing in Grovetown, Georgia, admitted to possessing unregistered and illegal weapons, including a short-barrel assault-style rifle and an unregistered firearm silencer. The interception of firearm silencers by Customs and Border Protection led to a thorough investigation by Homeland Security and local authorities, resulting in significant findings and the subsequent legal actions.

Investigation Unveils Further Illegal Firearms

The investigation intensified after authorities discovered the unregistered silencers. Investigators uncovered multiple firearms at Fazio’s residence, showing the extent of his illegal possession. Unregistered silencers and short-barrel assault-style rifles were among the seized items, reflecting a severe breach of firearm regulations.

Fort Eisenhower’s U.S. Army Cyber Command confirmed Fazio’s assignment to ARCYBER but directed further inquiries to the Department of Justice. This case has cast a spotlight on ARCYBER personnel, prompting additional scrutiny and investigations within the unit.

Parallel Case Highlights Severity of Firearm Violations

Similarly, a Seattle man named Nathan Brasfield faced severe sentencing for firearm violations. In February 2020, agents seized 17 pistols and 24 rifles from his home, many of which were ‘ghost guns’ without serial numbers or registration. Brasfield received 70 months in prison as a felon in possession of a firearm and for smuggling silencers.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdwa/pr/felon-sentenced-more-five-years-prison-arsenal-ghost-guns-and-smuggled-silencers

Brasfield’s case was part of a broader push to crack down on illegal firearm possession and distribution networks. The incident emphasized the necessity of stringent regulations and oversight to prevent similar violations. It also underscored the commitment of Homeland Security and the ATF in enforcing firearm laws and preventing illegal activities.

Army Cyber Command welcomed new senior enlisted leader Command Sgt. Maj. Jebin Heyse at Fort Eisenhower, Ga. Get the full story and other Army cyber and related news and info at https://t.co/KwLZ1rQVOd @780thC @Army_Cyber_CoE @US_CYBERCOM @CpbHunters @USArmyNETCOM @ReadyLightning pic.twitter.com/5joIhOtHiN

— Army Cyber Command (@ARCYBER) September 9, 2024