The Lewis-McChord soldier accused of massacring 16 Afghan civilians last week is obviously in deep trouble. But with today’s news that he owes $1.5 million to an Ohio retiree, it’s clear that his troubles began before he left for the Middle East. In 2000, according to the UK’s Guardian, Staff Sgt. Robert Bales was working as a stockbroker when a client, Gary Liebschner, asked him to sell of some stock in order to pay for his medical bills. According to Liebschner, Bales didn’t hold up his end of the bargain. In 2003, an arbitrator agreed, describing Bales’ conduct as “fraudulent and malicious” and ordering him to repay Liebschner an amount that, with interest, now totals $1.5 million.”He robbed me of my life savings,” Liebschner told WCPO-TV in Ohio. “We didn’t know where he was. We heard the Bahamas, and all kinds of places.”Of course, we know now that Bales wasn’t on a tropical island, he was actually doing the first of three tours in Iraq, before his fourth, final, and most tragic, in Afghanistan. Says Liebschner of Bales, he’s a con man and a “smooth talker.”Follow The Daily Weekly on Facebook and Twitter.
More Stories From This Author
Man who killed four in Renton crash sentenced to over 17 years in prison
The prosecutor reported that he was traveling at 112 miles per hour when he crashed into the victims.
By
Joshua Solorzano • April 25, 2025 5:50 pm
FEMA denies funds to WA for damage caused by 2024 ‘bomb cyclone’
Gov. Bob Ferguson says federal funds are needed to address $34 million in damage caused by the storm, and that the state will appeal.
By
Bailey Josie • April 14, 2025 3:00 pm
SAVE Act could disenfranchise millions of voters
Congressman reports law could cost Washingtonians over $361 million just to register to vote.
By
Bailey Josie • April 11, 2025 5:35 pm