Long was working with someone else on the scams and pocketed the money while deployed in Afghanistan from January 2008 to April 2009.
While out of the country Long was a transportation management coordinator and customs inspector. She also inspected other troops' personal property before it was shipped back to the United States but its now known if any of the money was stolen from other soldiers.
Once back Long spent her windfall on vacations, an 18-wheeler truck and trailer, and plastic surgery.
When she was arrested officers found half of the money hidden in a safe at the home Long shared with the other person who worked the scheme.
US Attorney Thomas Walker said “Tonya Long betrayed her team and while other soldiers were fighting for our country, she was stealing money intended to support the mission.”
The two are in the process of being charged.