Army Major Sentenced for Smuggling Firearms to Ghana

U.S. Army Major Kojo Owusu Dartey, 42, was sentenced to 70 months in federal prison for smuggling firearms to Ghana and making false statements to federal authorities. Dartey was found guilty of multiple charges, including conspiracy and illegally exporting firearms, after he purchased ten guns and concealed them in blue barrels filled with rice and household goods for shipment. During the investigation, he provided information that led to uncovering a marriage fraud scheme involving soldiers at Fort Liberty and foreign nationals. He lied about a sexual relationship with a defense witness during a related trial, which further complicated his legal troubles. The firearms were seized by the Ghana Revenue Authority, prompting reports to U.S. law enforcement agencies. Dartey will also face three years of supervised release following his prison term.