Young Sentenced for Afghanistan Contract Fraud

David Young, 51, of Hernando Beach, Florida, has been sentenced to 42 months in federal prison for his role in a procurement fraud scheme involving a military contract in Afghanistan. U.S. District Judge Tena Campbell ordered Young to self-surrender on Aug. 4 to begin serving his sentence.

Young admitted that while deployed as an activated reservist with the U.S. Army in Afghanistan from March to June 2007, he disclosed confidential procurement information to American International Security Corporation (AISC) owner Michael Taylor and Christopher Harris. The information provided AISC with a competitive advantage in securing the contract for logistics and weapons maintenance support.

According to court records, Young received more than $9.4 million from the contract proceeds while AISC paid over $17 million. In addition to prison time, Young agreed to forfeit multiple assets including real property, vehicles, and gold coins.

U.S. Attorney David B. Barlow emphasized the significance of such cases, stating, “Conduct like this undermines the confidence of American taxpayers who fund our efforts in Afghanistan.”

Michael Taylor, 49, of Lake Havasu, Arizona, is scheduled for sentencing on June 23, while sentencing for Christopher Harris, 53, of Boston, has not yet been set. Both men have also pleaded guilty to their respective charges.