Fort Sill Drill Sergeant convicted of bribery, other counts

FORT SILL, Okla. (AP) -- A Fort Sill drill sergeant has been found guilty of charges ranging from bribery and assault to conspiracy.<br/><br/>Sergeant First Class Larry Jones was convicted on charges of

Thursday, January 13th 2005, 8:55 am

By: News On 6

FORT SILL, Okla. (AP) -- A Fort Sill drill sergeant has been found guilty of charges ranging from bribery and assault to conspiracy.

Sergeant First Class Larry Jones was convicted on charges of selling "insurance" to guarantee recruits would pass their final basic training tests. He was also found guilty of selling items such as candy and tobacco, which are prohibited during basic training.

Jones sentenced to five years in prison, a reduction to the lowest rank, a reduction in pay and allowances and a dishonorable discharge.

Military prosecutors asked for the maximum penalty of 84 years in prison, saying Jones sent untrained soldiers into the Army while lining his pockets with their money.