The U.S. Justice Department released the below information:
SAN DIEGO – Leonard Glenn Francis (seen in the above photo), the
infamous fugitive who presided over a massive decade-long conspiracy involving
scores of U.S. Navy officials, tens of millions of dollars in fraud and
millions of dollars in bribes and gifts, appeared in federal court today for
the first time since he cut off his electronic monitoring bracelet and
absconded from house arrest in San Diego in September 2022.
At the hearing, the government asked U.S. District Judge Janis
L. Sammartino to set a new sentencing date immediately to avoid delays, but the
judge postponed a decision based on a request by Francis’ legal team to
withdraw from the case in the aftermath of his disappearance. The judge set a
status hearing for February 8, 2024, at 9 a.m.
Francis, who fled the United States before he could be
sentenced, was returned to the United States from Venezuela as part of a
prisoner swap on December 20, 2023. From Venezuela, he arrived in the Southern
District of Florida and appeared in federal court the next day in Miami, where
he was ordered removed to the Southern District of California. Francis arrived
in San Diego on January 3.
Francis, the owner and chief executive of Glenn Defense Marine
Asia, which provided services to U.S. Navy ships in ports in the Asia-Pacific
region, pleaded guilty to bribery and fraud charges in 2015. As a result of the
federal investigation, more than 30 U.S. Navy officials and associates pleaded
guilty.
“Leonard Francis is no longer on the run. He is on
the hook,” said U.S. Attorney Tara K. McGrath. “Mr. Francis never should have
fled the United States while he was waiting to be sentenced. In fact, he was
ordered by a federal judge not to do so. Now that he is back in San Diego, Mr.
Francis will be held fully accountable for his crimes.”
DEFENDANTS Case Number 13-CR- 4287
Leonard Glenn
Francis Age: 59, Singapore
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Conspiracy to Commit Bribery, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 371.
Maximum penalty five years in prison, $250,000 fine or twice the gross
pecuniary gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greater;
Bribery, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 201. Maximum 15 years in
prison, $250,000 fine or twice the gross pecuniary gain or loss from the
offense, whichever is greater. Mandatory restitution.
Conspiracy to Defraud the United States, in violation of in
violation of 18 U.S.C. sec. 371. Maximum penalty five years in prison $250,000
fine or twice the gross pecuniary gain or loss from the offense, whichever is
greater. Mandatory restitution.
INVESTIGATING AGENCIES
Defense Criminal Investigative Service
Naval Criminal Investigative Service
Defense Contract Audit Agency
You can read my Counterterrorism magazine piece on the
Fat Lonard case via the below link:
Paul Davis On Crime: My Piece On The 'Fat Leonard' U.S. Navy Bribery And Fraud Case
