Convictions Overturned in Navy's 'Fat Leonard' Scandal Due to Prosecutor Misconduct

Four former Navy officers convicted in the "Fat Leonard" bribery scandal, one of the worst in Navy history, had their felony convictions vacated due to allegations of prosecutorial misconduct. The officers pleaded guilty to misdemeanors and were fined $100 each. The lead federal prosecutor was found to have committed "outrageous" misconduct by withholding information from defense lawyers. The officers had been convicted of accepting bribes from defense contractor Leonard Francis and his company, Glenn Defense Marine Asia. The case exposed widespread corruption and embarrassment within the Navy.