A McKeesport man has been sentenced after pleading guilty to stealing part of a helicopter belonging to the United States government.
Prosecutors say 70-year-old Douglas Zych stole property donated, and still owned, by the government in an attempt to profit from its sale.
He pleaded guilty in federal court Wednesday to a charge of theft of government property and was sentenced to six months of probation.
Prosecutors say Zych “cannibalized parts of a Huey-1 helicopter entrusted to the care and custody of a museum and sold them.”
Zych was also ordered to pay $425,000 to the United States.
“Douglas Zych stole property donated, and still owned, by the U.S. government in an attempt to profit from its sale,” said United States Attorney Anthony Rivetti. “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.”
