Former Navy captain sentenced to 46 months in bribery scandal

A former Navy captain was sentenced to 46 months in prison Friday for giving classified information to a foreign defense contractor in exchange for prostitutes, luxury travel and other gifts.

Capt. Daniel Dusek is the highest-ranking officer convicted in what’s known as the “Fat Leonard” bribery scandal. In addition to his prison sentence, Dusek was also ordered to pay $100,000 in fines and restitution.

“Captain Dusek’s betrayal is the most distressing because the Navy placed so much trust, power and authority in his hands,” U.S. Attorney Laura Duffy said in a written statement.  “This is a fitting sentence for a man who was so valuable that his conspirators labeled him their ‘Golden Asset.’ ”

Dusek, 49, pleaded guilty in January 2015 to one count of conspiracy to commit bribery.

The case centers on dealings with Singapore-based Glenn Defense Marine Asia and its CEO Leonard Glenn Francis.

In his plea, Dusek admitted that for decades, he used his influence to benefit Glenn Defense, steering ships to ports it owns. In exchange, Dusek got meals, alcohol, entertainment, gifts, luxury hotel stays and prostitutes, the Justice Department said in a press release.

For example, in July 2010, Glenn Defense paid for him and his family to stay at the Marriott Waikiki in Hawaii, and in August 2010, the company paid for him to stay the Shangri-La in the Philippines and for a prostitute, according to the release.

Soon after, the release says, Dusek sent the USS Abraham Lincoln and its associated strike group to a terminal at Port Klang, Malaysia, owned by Francis. The port visit cost the United States $1.6 million.

In September 2013, Dusek tried to evade law enforcement by deleting his emails when he learned Francis and Navy personnel had been arrested, according to the release.

To date, 10 people have been charged in the scandal. Of those, nine have pleaded guilty and one awaits trial. Two others of those who pleaded guilty have already been sentenced.

“This outcome again sends the message that corruption will be vigorously investigated and prosecuted,” James Burch, director of the Defense Department’s Defense Criminal Investigative Service said in a written statement. 

“This is an unfortunate example of dishonorable naval officers who recklessly risked the safety of our troops by trading classified information for cash, extravagant gifts and prostitutes.”