Two ex-officers stiffed the Marines

Former Marine Major Jason Wild, a reservist, was convicted by a federal jury today (November 22) of participating in a four-year-long conspiracy that fleeced the United States Marine Corps of more than $205,000.

Wild falsely claimed that he rented the home of fellow reservist Lieutenant Colonel Michael K. Strom so Wild could claim reimbursement from the military when he was called to active duty at Camp Pendleton. In turn, Strom falsely claimed that he was renting Wild's home from Wild's friend.

Wild and Strom submitted phony lease agreements and rental receipts. But each man owned his own home near Camp Pendleton and never paid any of the claimed rent. The jury deliberated 35 minutes before convicting Wild of wire fraud and making false claims. Strom pleaded guilty in late October of the same violations.