After 11 years following his preliminary arrest, Leonard Glenn Francis, aka “Fats Leonard,” was sentenced for masterminding one of many greatest bribery and corruption scandals in U.S. navy historical past.
The previous navy 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 positive, based on the U.S. Legal professional’s workplace.  Â
Francis was scheduled to be sentenced as soon as earlier than in September 2022 however reduce 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 “Fats Leonard,” pleaded responsible to bribery and fraud expenses in one of many largest corruption scandals in U.S. navy historical past. Â ((U.S. Marshal Service))
His sentencing covers each his function within the bribery and in addition his escape from the nation. He’ll 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 objects 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 providers, based on prosecutors.
Undated photograph of Leonard Glenn Francis, proprietor of the Singapore-based maritime providers agency Glenn Protection Marine Asia. ((Credit score: NCIS-DCIS case recordsdata))
“Leonard Francis lined his pockets with taxpayer {dollars} whereas undermining the integrity of U.S. Naval forces,” U.S. Legal professional Tara McGrath mentioned in Tuesday’s assertion. “The influence of his deceit and manipulation might be lengthy felt, however justice has been served at present.”
Prosecutors mentioned his actions have been “aggravated and egregious” however did agree he needs to be credited for offering “detailed data on a whole lot of people, from petty officers to admirals, together with 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
One other undated photograph of Leonard Glenn Francis. ((Credit score: courtesy Glenn Protection Marine Asia))
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Following his arrest, almost 1,000 Navy officers got here beneath scrutiny, together with 91 admirals.
Federal prosecutors introduced felony expenses towards 34 defendants, 33 of whom have been convicted after Francis supplied data to authorities whereas in U.S. custody.
Fox Information Digital’s Chris Pandolfo and the Related Press contributed to this report.
