Former Air Force Sergeant Pleads Guilty to Stealing Firearm Silencers Intended for Military Use

RALEIGH, N.C. – Troy Lynn Misiak, age 47, of Spring Lake pleaded guilty to felony theft of government property and unlawful possession of an unregistered weapon. According to the Government’s statement during the plea hearing, Misiak used his former position as a United States Air Force Master Sergeant (MSgt)  to obtain, among other things, firearm suppressors supposedly for use by his military unit, but which he stole for himself.  These items required proper registration under the National Firearms Act, which designated them as property of the United States Air Force.  The Government further explained that after Misiak left the Air Force and became a civil service employee of the United States Army, he continued to try to obtain weaponry, sometimes successfully, from firearms dealers and manufacturers that were again purportedly intended for the military’s use, but which Misiak took for his personal collection. 

Items seized from Misiak’s home included two Surefire brand firearm suppressors, a Daniel Defense internally suppressed rifle barrel, eight Geissele Automatics brand rifle upper assemblies, two suppressor alignment rods, two suspected rocket launcher tubes, and approximately 6,000 rounds of sealed ammunition.  Investigators also seized a 31-page classified document from the US Army Special Operations Command that Misiak was not authorized to possess.

“Our American military is the best-equipped fighting force the world has ever seen, and our military leaders should be good stewards of that equipment, not abuse their positions for personal gain,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley.  “We won’t allow dangerous weaponry that is provided for military use to be stolen without consequences.  Today’s guilty plea is just one example of our partnership with the Air Force and ATF to ensure those consequences are meted out.” 

“This defendant took advantage of his position, creating a potential threat to public safety,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Bennie Mims.  “There’s a proper procedure for acquiring firearms and related devices.  Ignoring that process could lead to firearms ending up in the hands of prohibited and dangerous individuals.”

Each charge carries a maximum sentence of ten years’ imprisonment.  The theft charge also carries a maximum fine of $250,000, while the weapon charge also carries a maximum fine of $10,000.

Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after United States Magistrate Judge Robert T. Numbers II accepted the plea. The Air Force Office of Special Investigations and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives are investigating the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Lori B. Warlick is prosecuting the case.

Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:23-CR-48-D.