Army quartermaster admits stealing nearly £1million of equipment

by · Mail Online

A former army quartermaster has admitted to stealing nearly £1million from the Ministry of Defence.

Jed Charlot, 44, pleaded guilty to stealing £900,000 whilst working at barracks in Tidworth, Wiltshire.

A Quartermaster Sergeant is responsible for supplies and stores in the military and the father-of-three was attached to the 6 Armoured Close Support Battalion of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers in this position.

Salisbury Crown Court heard how Chalot had 'dishonestly abused that position intending thereby to make a gain, namely a monetary gain, for yourself'.

Judge Parkes KC described the case as 'very curious' and said the 'court will need to know more' before sentencing Charlot on December 13.

Jed Charlot (pictured outside Salisbury Crown Court) was sent to prison after he confessed to stealing £900,000 whilst working at barracks in Tidworth, Wiltshire

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Barrister Mary Cowe – representing Charlot - told the court that the defendant is 'a man of good character'.

'Whatever happens, this case will not be a trial,' she added.

'He accepts the criminality on a full facts basis.'

The court heard Charlot lives with his wife and three children in Tidworth.

He is currently being 'evicted' from his army accommodation as a result of the charge.

Concluding the plea hearing, Judge Parkes KC said: 'I shall order a pre-sentence report to understand the background of this case to help with the course of sentence.

'You have surrendered your passport and you shouldn't apply for any travel documents.

'You know that it will be a custodial sentence.

Charlot was attached to the 6 Armoured Close Support Battalion of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (pictured) 

'You are released on bail so that you can arrange the accommodation of your family after you are evicted from your Army accommodation.' 

An Army spokesperson: 'Ex-Sergeant Jed Charlot appeared at Salisbury Crown Court on 16th October 2024 and pleaded guilty to fraud by abuse of position, theft by an employee and possession of criminal property.

'Mr Charlot is due to be sentenced on 13th December 2024. As he's no longer a serving member of the Army we won't comment further.'