Jesus Vasquez Cantu, Bribery Conspiracy, California 2017
Former Navy Captain Pleads Guilty in Bribery Scandal
SAN DIEGO, California - August 18, 2017
A former high-ranking U.S. Navy officer has pleaded guilty to his role in a massive bribery scandal that has tainted the military's integrity. Jesus Vasquez Cantu, 59, of Silverdale, Washington, admitted to participating in a bribery conspiracy with defense contractor Leonard Glenn Francis and his Singapore-based firm, Glenn Defense Marine Asia.
Cantu, who served as the deputy commander, Military Sealift Command (MSC) Far East in Singapore at the time of the offense, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bribery. He is scheduled to be sentenced on November 9, 2017, before U.S. District Judge Janis L. Sammartino.
According to his plea agreement, Cantu accepted bribes from Francis in the form of parties and prostitutes while sharing proprietary information with the contractor. The bribes were allegedly worth thousands of dollars and were used to fund lavish lifestyles for the defendants.
The scandal has already claimed the guilty pleas of 19 individuals, including 21 current and former Navy officials and five civilian defendants. Nine defendants, including retired U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Bruce Loveless, await trial.
“The number of U.S. Navy officials who participated in this conspiracy is astounding,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Alana W. Robinson. “Like so many others, this defendant sold out the Navy and his country for cocktails and karaoke. We are pressing forward in this investigation until we are certain that all involved have been held accountable.”
Cantu's guilty plea is a significant development in the ongoing investigation into the corruption scandal. The U.S. Navy has already taken steps to address the issue, including the removal of several high-ranking officials.
In 2007, Cantu was the Assistant Chief of Staff for Logistics for the Commander of the U.S. Navy’s Seventh Fleet aboard the USS Blue Ridge. He and others participated in a bribery conspiracy with Francis, accepting more than $135,000 in meals, entertainment, travel, and hotel expenses, and the services of prostitutes in exchange for their assistance with Francis's business.
Cantu's case is a stark reminder of the dangers of corruption and the importance of holding public officials accountable for their actions.
Defendant: Jesus Vasquez Cantu
Criminal Charges: Conspiracy to Commit Bribery
City and State: San Diego, California
Exact Date: August 18, 2017
Sentence or Outcome: Scheduled to be sentenced on November 9, 2017
Dollar Amounts: More than $135,000 in bribes
Key Facts
- State: California
- Category: Public Corruption
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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