Two men from Lacey, Washington, are set to appear in federal court in Tacoma following charges related to a violent incident at Joint Base Lewis McChord (JBLM). U.S. Attorney Charles Neil Floyd announced that Charles Ethan Fields, 27, and Levi Austin Frakes, 27—both former military members—face federal charges of robbery, assault, and theft of government property. The two have been held in Thurston County since their arrest on June 2, 2025.
According to the criminal complaint, Fields and Frakes entered JBLM on the evening of June 1, 2025. About an hour later, an Army member found them in the Ranger compound with Army property around them while they were masked. When questioned by the Army member, “the men started fighting with the Army member and beat him on the head and torso with a hammer.” The victim managed to take control of the hammer before one of the suspects pulled out a knife and threatened him. Fields and Frakes then fled from the scene, leaving behind some of the items they allegedly attempted to steal.
Investigators determined that about $14,000 worth of government property was targeted during this incident. A subsequent search at a Lacey residence linked to the suspects led law enforcement officers to find weapons and various military equipment such as night vision devices, ballistic plates and carriers, helmets, munitions, explosives including blasting caps and smoke grenades. Some items found are restricted for private ownership or storage. Officers also recovered $24,000 in cash.
If convicted, Fields and Frakes face up to 10 years in prison each for assault and theft of government property charges; robbery carries a potential sentence of up to 15 years.
“The charges contained in the criminal complaint are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law,” according to information provided by authorities.
The Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division is leading the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Marci L. Ellsworth is prosecuting the case.
