Kansas contractor in Afghanistan faces sentencing for cash smuggling
WICHITA, Kan. (AP) A private contractor who admitted trying to smuggle $150,000 in undeclared cash from Bagram Air Field in Afghanistan to his ex-wife in Kansas is expected to soon learn his punishment.
Donald Gene Garst will be sentenced Tuesday in federal court in Topeka. He pleaded guilty in November to one count of bulk cash smuggling.
Prosecutors said the money is part of an illegal kickback scheme with an Afghanistan company that Garst used in 2011 to further his criminal activity at the expense of the U.S. government.
But the 51-year-old Kansas man contends the money was gambling winnings. He also blames post-traumatic stress disorder for his mental health issues.
Prosecutors are seeking a prison term of between 30 and 37 months. The defense wants probation.
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