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A federal judge in San Diego dismissed the felony convictions of five retired military officers involved in the Navy’s biggest corruption scandal with contractor “Fat Leonard.” The government requested the dismissals due to prosecutorial errors, not the defense.
Retired officers Donald Hornbeck, Robert Gorsuch, Jose Luis Sanchez, and U.S. Marine Corps Col. Enrico DeGuzman admitted to accepting bribes from Leonard Francis, also known as “Fat Leonard,” who played a central role in the corruption case.
The prosecution revealed that Francis offered over $500,000 in cash bribes, gifts, and extravagant parties in Southeast Asia to Navy officials and contractors. His scheme allowed him to defraud the Navy of at least $35 million by overcharging for services.
The recent dismissals are a result of prosecutorial misconduct, with information withheld from defense lawyers. Judge Janis Sammartino previously ruled misconduct in the case, leading to the vacating of felony convictions of other Navy officers. Francis is set for sentencing following his escape and extradition from South America.
Check back for updates on this unfolding corruption scandal and its legal repercussions.