One of the slogans of the US Armed Forces is that they are looking “for a few good men.” Unfortunately, all it takes is a few bad men to tarnish the image of a vaunted group such as the US Marines.

In an extremely disturbing story reported in talkingpointsmemo.com, 47 U.S. service members and 21 civilians have been charged in connection to the sale of military equipment stolen from Camp Lejeune and other military installations. The findings come as a result of a two-year investigation by the Naval Criminal Investigative Service.

Camp Lejeune Marines sold more than $2 million worth of equipment online, through websites like eBay and Craiglist. Even more brazen was that some of the sales were also made at yard sales and face-to-face deals.

Perhaps the most disturbing fact is that NCIS agents found that some military members were selling guns, or attempting to sell guns, to street gangs in North Carolina and elsewhere. An undercover NCIS operation has recovered $1.8 million in stolen weapons and equipment, including assault rifles, night-vision goggles and $800 flashlights.

The investigation is now also taking a look at Army and Navy personnel.

How sad is this story? Man is what these Marines did treason? This certainly seems more severe than a simple case of shoplifting which would require an 8-hour stop theft class. These Marines should spend serious time behind bars.