Soldier arrested for theft that prompted JBLM lockdown

Joint Base Lewis-McChord has credited a prompt lockdown of 100 soldiers last month with the recovery of more than $600,000 in sensitive equipment and the arrest of the person they believe is responsible.

Members of the 4th Stryker Brigade, Second Infantry division’s Charlie company were held in a building on base for nearly a week after military optic equipment went missing.

Thursday, the Army announced the arrest of Pvt. Nicholas A. Solt, 22, in relation to the theft.

Solt, who was assigned to the division in October 2008 after having been trained as an infantryman at Fort Benning, Ga., has been placed in pre-trial confinement. He is charged with selling optical and targeting equipment without proper authority, larceny of military property, and unlawfully entering a government building with the intent to commit a criminal offense.

According to a press release, the Army has also charged Solt with drug possession, possession of anabolic steroids and communicating a death threat.

Solt faces 59 years behind bars and a dishonorable discharged if convicted.

The Army said nearly all of the missing equipment was recovered at off-base residences in mid-January.