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Stinger Simulator Theft Lands Guardsman Probation

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By VALERIE KALFRIN

The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 4, 2008

TAMPA - A member of the Florida National Guard who stole a Stinger missile-firing simulator because he thought it would make a great "garage ornament" was sentenced in federal court Wednesday to 18 months of probation.

Scott J. Howarth, 21, pleaded guilty in May to theft of government property as part of a plea agreement. He must undergo mental-health counseling as a condition of his probation, Judge Susan A. Bucklew said. He is eligible for early termination of probation after 12 months.

Public defender Dionja Dyer had requested probation. Howarth's criminal record is limited, and he is hoping to salvage having a career in the military, she said.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Eduardo E. Toro-Font said in court that he also preferred probation to prison time, provided Howarth receive counseling.

"I don't think there was any ulterior motive here," he said.

Before being sentenced, Howarth told the judge he had made "a very stupid and foolish mistake."

According to the plea agreement, Howarth took the gadget home in October after it was left behind in his vehicle during training in Fort Stewart, Ga. It was worth about $37,000. He returned it to authorities undamaged.

Howarth and Dyer said in court that Howarth lost his job as a Charlotte County corrections officer because of the arrest. He is training to work as an auto painter in Port Charlotte.

Reporter Valerie Kalfrin can be reached at (813) 259-7800 or vkalfrin@tampatrib.com.

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