Agence France-Presse
Los Angeles, June 10: A US admiral has pleaded guilty to lying about his relationship with a Singapore-based defence contractor at the centre of a massive bribery scandal that has tarnished top naval officers. Rear Admiral Robert Gilbeau — the highest-ranking Navy officer charged in the ongoing probe — admitted before a federal judge Thursday in San Diego that he had lied when he told investigators that he had never received gifts from Leonard Francis, owner of Glenn Defence Marine Asia (GDMA). Few admirals in the history of the US Navy have ever been convicted of a felony charge.
Gilbeau, 55, told the court that he had misled investigators when he told them he always paid his share when he and Francis dined together about three times a year over a period of several years. He also admitted that he destroyed documents and deleted computer files when he became aware in September 2013 that Francis and others had been arrested in connection with the fraud and bribery probe. Gilbeau, who was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart during his 37-year career, is scheduled to be sentenced in the case August 26.
His attorney David Benowitz said that he would seek probation for his client while prosecutors have agreed to ask the judge that Gilbeau be sentenced to no more than 12 to 18 months in prison. According to the plea deal, Gilbeau also agreed to pay $50,000 restitution to the Navy and a $100,000 fine. He will also perform 300 hours of community service. “Of those who wear our nation’s uniform in the service of our country, only a select few have been honoured to hold the rank of admiral — and not a single one is above the law,” prosecutor Laura Duffy said.
