Eleven years after his first arrest, Leonard Glenn Francis, also known as “Fat Leonard,” was convicted of masterminding the largest bribery and corruption scandal in U.S. military history.
A former military defense contractor was sentenced to 15 years in prison for a 10-year scheme involving dozens of U.S. Navy personnel. He was also ordered to pay $20 million in restitution to the Navy and a $150,000 fine, U.S. prosecutors said.
Francis was previously scheduled to be sentenced in September 2022, but he cut off his GPS monitor and fled the country. He was arrested in 2023 after being discovered in Venezuela and brought back to the United States.
'Fat Leonard' expected to be sentenced in Navy bribery scandal
Leonard Glenn Francis, also known as “Fat Leonard,” has pleaded guilty to bribery and fraud charges in one of the largest corruption scandals in U.S. military history. ((U.S. Marshals Service))
His sentencing covers both his role in bribery and his flight out of the country. He will receive credit for having been detained in both the United States and Venezuela for a total of more than six years.
Mr. Francis admitted to authorities that he provided free meals, prostitutes and other goods to naval personnel to help naval ships dock in places he controlled. Prosecutors say he then overbilled the Navy by more than $35 million for his work.
Undated photo of Leonard Glenn Francis, owner of Singapore-based maritime services company Glenn Defense Marine Asia. ((Credit: NCIS-DCIS Case Files))
“Leonard Francis enriched taxpayers while undermining the integrity of the U.S. Navy,” U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath said in a statement Tuesday. “The effects of his deception and manipulation will be felt for a long time, but justice was served today.”
Prosecutors said his conduct was “disgusting and egregious,” but that he provided “detailed information on hundreds of individuals, from noncommissioned officers to admirals, including captains, commanders, vice admirals, and rear admirals.” He said he agreed that it should be recognized as such.
'Fat Leonard' amputation of lifeguard's ankle weeks before $35 million verdict in US Navy corruption case
Another undated photo of Leonard Glenn Francis. ((Credit: Provided by: Glenn Defense Marine Asia))
Click to get the FOX News app
After his arrest, nearly 1,000 naval officers, including 91 admirals, were placed under surveillance.
Federal prosecutors filed criminal charges against 34 defendants, 33 of whom were convicted after Francisco provided information to authorities while in U.S. custody.
Fox News Digital's Chris Pandolfo and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
