Navy Sinks In Hookers and Bribes Scandal

How the service steered into an alleged supply scam that has cost taxpayers nearly $20 million

  • Share
  • Read Later
Illustration by Oliver Munday for TIME

(4 of 4)

The Navy's takedown of Francis was as much a warning to the service as it was a triumph. Even as the feds began to close in, Francis was warned by Sanchez that the Navy Criminal Investigative Service was sniffing around. But Francis insisted he had another friend on the inside and dismissed the warning. "I have inside Intel from NCIS and read all the reports," he e-mailed Sanchez. Francis had what seemed like a good reason to relax: an ex--7th Fleet's force protection chief, John Beliveau, now working for NCIS, allegedly provided Francis with Navy files relating to the growing probe of Glenn Marine after receiving gifts from him. Once investigators suspected that Beliveau was Francis' source, they planted a fake file concluding that the investigation into Glenn Marine had run its course. No charges would be brought, the false file reported.

When Francis traveled to California in September to discuss future business at the Navy's request, federal agents arrested him on bribery charges in his suite overlooking San Diego's harbor.

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. Next Page