Eleven years after his first arrest, Leonard Glenn Francis, aka “Fat Leonard,” was convicted of masterminding one of the largest bribery and corruption scandals in U.S. military history.
The former military defense contractor was sentenced to 15 years in prison for the decade-long scheme that involved dozens of people US Navy officials. He also had to pay $20 million in restitution to the Navy and a $150,000 fine, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Francis was scheduled to be sentenced once before in September 2022, but he turned off his GPS monitor and fled the country. He was later arrested in 2023 after being found in Venezuela and brought back to the US
‘FAT LEONARD’ IS CONVICTED IN NAVY BRIBERY SCANDAL
Leonard Glenn Francis, alias ‘Fat Leonard’, pleaded guilty to bribery and fraud in one of the largest corruption scandals in US military history. ((US Marshal Service))
His conviction includes both his role in the bribery and his escape from the country. He is being recognized for the time he spent in custody, both in the US and Venezuela, totaling more than six years.
Frances admitted to authorities that he had given free meals, prostitutes and other items to Navy personnel to help them obtain port visits by Navy ships to places he controlled. According to prosecutors, he would then overcharge the Navy by more than $35 million for his services.
Undated photo of Leonard Glenn Francis, owner of Singapore-based maritime services provider Glenn Defense Marine Asia. ((Credit: NCIS-DCIS Case Files))
“Leonard Francis has lined his pockets with taxpayer dollars while undermining the integrity of the United States Navy,” U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath said in the statement Tuesday. “The impact of his deception and manipulation will be felt for a long time, but today justice was served.”
Prosecutors said his actions were “aggravated and egregious” but agreed they should be credited for providing “detailed information on hundreds of individuals from petty officers to admirals, including captains, commanders, vice admirals and rear admirals,” prosecutors said.
‘FAT LEONARD’ CUTS SINGLE MONITOR WEEKS BEFORE CONVICTION IN $35 MILLION US NAVY CORRUPTION SCANDAL
Another undated photo of Leonard Glenn Francis. ((Credit: Courtesy of Glenn Defense Marine Asia))
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After his arrest, nearly 1,000 naval officers were put under scrutiny, including 91 admirals.
Federal prosecutors charged criminal prosecution against 34 defendants, 33 of whom were convicted after Francis provided information to authorities while in US custody.
Chris Pandolfo of Fox News Digital and Associated Press contributed to this report.