After 11 years following his preliminary arrest, Leonard Glenn Francis, aka “Fat Leonard,” was sentenced for masterminding one of many largest bribery and corruption scandals in U.S. army historical past.
The former army protection contractor was sentenced to fifteen years in jail for the decade-long scheme involving dozens of U.S. Navy officers. He was additionally ordered to pay $20 million in restitution to the Navy and a $150,000 nice, based on the U.S. Attorney’s workplace.
Francis was scheduled to be sentenced as soon as earlier than in September 2022 however minimize off his GPS monitor and fled the nation. He was later arrested in 2023 after being present in Venezuela and introduced again to the U.S.
‘FAT LEONARD’ FACES SENTENCING IN NAVY BRIBERY SCANDAL
Leonard Glenn Francis, aka “Fat Leonard,” pleaded responsible to bribery and fraud costs in one of many largest corruption scandals in U.S. army historical past. ((U.S. Marshal Service))
His sentencing covers each his position within the bribery and likewise his escape from the nation. He will get credit score for his time spent in custody each within the U.S. and in Venezuela, totaling greater than 6 years.
Frances admitted to authorities that he gave free meals, prostitutes and different gadgets to Naval personnel to ensure that their help in acquiring port visits by Naval vessels to locations he managed. He would then overcharge the Navy by greater than $35 million {dollars} for his companies, based on prosecutors.
Undated picture of Leonard Glenn Francis, proprietor of the Singapore-based maritime companies agency Glenn Defense Marine Asia. ((Credit: NCIS-DCIS case recordsdata))
“Leonard Francis lined his pockets with taxpayer dollars while undermining the integrity of U.S. Naval forces,” U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath mentioned in Tuesday’s assertion. “The impact of his deceit and manipulation will be long felt, but justice has been served today.”
Prosecutors mentioned his actions have been “aggravated and egregious” however did agree he needs to be credited for offering “detailed information on hundreds of individuals, from petty officers to admirals, including captains, commanders, Vice Admirals, and Rear Admirals,” based on prosecutors.
‘FAT LEONARD’ CUTS ANKLE MONITOR WEEKS BEFORE SENTENCING IN $35 MILLION US NAVY CORRUPTION SCANDAL
Another undated picture of Leonard Glenn Francis. ((Credit: courtesy Glenn Defense Marine Asia))
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Following his arrest, practically 1,000 Navy officers got here beneath scrutiny, together with 91 admirals.
Federal prosecutors introduced legal costs towards 34 defendants, 33 of whom have been convicted after Francis supplied data to authorities whereas in U.S. custody.
Fox News Digital’s Chris Pandolfo and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
