Ex-NCIS Agent John Beliveau Gets 12 Years for Bribery

John Beliveau II, a 47-year-old former supervisory special agent with the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison for selling sensitive law enforcement intelligence to Leonard Glenn Francis, the CEO of Glenn Defense Marine Asia (GDMA), in exchange for cash, luxury travel, and prostitutes. The sentencing, delivered by U.S. District Judge Janis L. Sammartino in San Diego, marks one of the longest prison terms ever imposed on a federal law enforcement officer in a corruption case.

Beliveau, of York, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty on December 17, 2013, to charges of conspiracy to commit bribery and bribery. As part of his plea agreement, he admitted to routinely accessing confidential NCIS databases to obtain investigative reports targeting Francis and GDMA—information he then funneled to the very subject of the probe. His actions directly enabled Francis to evade detection and manipulate Navy contracts, fueling a massive fraud scheme that bilked the U.S. Navy of tens of millions of dollars.

Judge Sammartino did not mince words during the hearing, stating, “A great deal of harm occurred as a result of your conduct.” She emphasized the gravity of Beliveau’s betrayal, noting his high-ranking position and the deep institutional damage inflicted on NCIS and the broader military justice system. Beliveau was taken into custody immediately after sentencing, at his own request.

Andrew Traver, director of NCIS, condemned Beliveau’s actions as a “reprehensible decision” that “tragically tarnished his badge and the reputation of NCIS.” He stressed that while the full scope of the damage may never be known, holding Beliveau accountable is a critical step in restoring public trust. “Holding him accountable will further signal that NCIS is committed to rebuilding the trust he damaged,” Traver said.

U.S. Attorney Laura Duffy called the case a “devastating blow” to the Navy and the nation. “While this disgraced agent serves what may be the longest prison sentence ever handed down to a federal agent in a corruption case, his colleagues are left to rebuild the trust and credibility that he singlehandedly destroyed.” Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell added that Beliveau “sold sensitive law enforcement information for envelopes of cash, luxury travel, and tawdry entertainment,” endangering not only investigations but the lives of cooperating witnesses.

Dermot O’Reilly, director of the Department of Defense’s Defense Criminal Investigative Service, declared that the sentencing sends a “resounding message that justice will be served regardless of rank or position.” Anita Bales, Director of the Defense Contract Audit Agency, echoed the sentiment, calling it “especially troubling” that someone in Beliveau’s role would betray his oath. The court also ordered Beliveau to pay $20 million in restitution to the U.S. Navy.