Property Question in regards to a junior signing

The supply is required to keep a copy of the signed hand receipt, it will show what the Soldier was signed for when he signed for the property. If there are shortages with accountability of property, make sure the Soldier understands the right to ask for a Financial Liability Investigation of Property Loss (FLIPL)....and of course the local IG can be of help to educate the Soldier on regulatory guidance as well as advice for this specific situation where you are located.

Remember, it is in the best interest of the Commander to not have any loss, so a good relationship with the commander goes a long way.

This will help with understanding the FLIPL:

http://www.apd.army.mil/pdffiles/p735_5.pdf

Great responses with technical answers but I think the point is missed a bit.
I find the situation disturbing.
Though the inexperienced soldier signed for the equipment the questions to be asked are:
1. Who told this soldier he must sign for the equipment?
2. Where was the Supply Sergeant at the time.
3. Why wasnt S4 involved?
4. Did the Battalion Command know of this and if so, why did it not act accordingly.
5. Why wasnt an NCO or Officer signed for the equipment.
6. Who approved of the magical appearance of the equipment and who signed for it to place it on the books.
7. Where is the PBO Guidance.
8. Was it a situation of dont look at it just sign it.
9. Was the supervisor aware of thr situation and if so why did he not act.
10. Prior to the deployment was the soldier informed of the situation and did the supply sergeant properly train the soldier to take over in his stead.
11. Who was avaiable for guidance in this situation.
12. When did the soldier graduate school and when did he join the unit.
I have more to add but ill leave the rest of the questions to myself.
The failure starts at the company level then up to as far as brigade.Prior to a deployment it should have been established that the rear d commander was to sign for the equipment or at least the senior person at the company level.
A PFC with no experience other than school will not know how to do more than pick up supplies and fill in the blanks unless properly trained by a COMPETANT Supply Sergeant and S4.
A BC even if deployed should never allow this situation to happen.
There is also a lack of leadership and responsibility on the SNCOs in the rear. Im not a 92y doesnt fly.
The fact that items appear magically and responsibility placed on a PFC, especially a young one is criminal. He based off of the given information was abused.
Is a FLIPL warrented? Absolutly.
Should an investigation be conducted? Yes but above the Battalion level.
Is an IG investigation warranted? Yes but only if Battalion goes against the PFC.
CID? If the acts were done with intent and ass covering in mind.
I was a just out of school SPC with 4 years artillery experience behind me and thrust into the temporary Supply Sergeant sp ot while the SS, an experienced SPCwent to school. I had military exprience behind me which gave me an advantage and had help from my PBO next door. This happened for over 95 days in Korea. Three separate occasions the days were split. My commander in the end wanted me to extend and didnt trust the two Supply Sergeant that were supposed to do their jobs in the year I was there.
I picked up quick and since I had military experience with a PBO backing me Iwasnt fooled or pushed around unlike a PFC with no experience or back up.
Since when is a PFC the responsible and accountable officer?
Disturbing to say the least.

In order for the E4 to be charged, supply will have to provide a copy of the hand receipt. It's the first thing an IO will ask for. The E4 should be able to get a copy from the supply sergeant. Just walk down there and ask for it. If they can't produce it or want you to "resign" don't. Go to the Commander. He is the one responsible for all of the property in the company. Make him aware of what is going on. Don't go to IG until you speak with the commander.