Prosecutors: Two Ex-Military Arrested with Weapons and Nazi Items After Robbing Military Base
SEATTLE — Two men have been arrested in Washington state after authorities discovered an extensive arsenal that included numerous guns, explosives, body armor, and Nazi paraphernalia. Investigators reported that Levi Austin Frakes and Charles Ethan Fields, both former military members, assaulted a soldier with a hammer while attempting to steal military gear from Joint Base Lewis-McChord last weekend. The arrests took place on Monday night at their home in Lacey, near Olympia. A criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court revealed that the two had been stealing equipment from the base for the past two years to sell or trade.
Federal agents found approximately $24,000 in cash at their residence. Records indicate that the pair operated a business called Sovereign Solutions, which showcased a logo reminiscent of Nazi symbolism and advertised various military training services. Both men have been charged with robbery, assault, and theft of government property. Additionally, they face state investigations for unlawful possession of incendiary devices, short-barreled rifles, and a machine gun.
They are currently held at the Thurston County Jail on a $500,000 bail. During a search of their home, agents discovered rifles positioned at the upstairs windows along with an array of Nazi memorabilia and weapons. Images from the residence included a wall displaying a red Nazi flag and other extremist symbols related to the Schutzstaffel, the Nazi paramilitary organization. The attack on the soldier occurred when he stumbled upon Frakes and Fields at the Army Ranger compound.
After confronting them, a violent struggle ensued, wherein one assailant struck the soldier with a hammer. Despite sustaining injuries, the soldier managed to repel the attackers, who fled after leaving behind around $14,000 worth of stolen military equipment. The subsequent investigation utilized base entry logs and surveillance footage to confirm the suspects’ identities. The wounded soldier was later able to identify Fields as one of the attackers based on a hat left behind during the escape.