SALT LAKE CITY – Ex-FBI Special Agent Robert Lustyik Jr., a 24-year veteran, has pleaded guilty to conspiracy, bribery, and obstruction of justice. The charges stem from his involvement in a scheme to obstruct a grand jury investigation into a multimillion-dollar defense contract fraud.
Lustyik, 51, of Sleepy Hollow, New York, and co-defendant Johannes Thaler, 50, of New Fairfield, Connecticut, were caught using Lustyik’s official position as an FBI counterintelligence agent to obstruct the investigation into Michael Taylor, owner of American International Security Corporation.
Assistant Attorney General Caldwell emphasized that no one is above the law. ‘Corruption by those entrusted to enforce the law strikes at the heart of our criminal justice system,’ Caldwell said. The Justice Department vowed to fight corruption within federal law enforcement ranks.
Lustyik and Thaler admitted their conspiracy from October 2011 to September 2012, during which they were promised cash and multimillion-dollar business contracts in exchange for aiding Taylor. Lustyik attempted to obstruct the investigation by suggesting Taylor as an FBI source and urging prosecutors not to indict him.
Acting U.S. Attorney Christensen highlighted the importance of accountability. ‘When a law enforcement officer violates his oath, he must be held accountable,’ Christensen said. Sentencing for Lustyik and Thaler is scheduled for January 5, 2015.
This case serves as a stark reminder that even those in positions of trust can succumb to corruption, potentially undermining the very justice they are supposed to uphold.
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Key Facts
- State: Utah
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Public Corruption|White Collar Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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