Former U.S. Navy Captain Sentenced to 30 Months in Prison in International Navy Bribery Scandal

News Release from U.S. Attorney's Office, Southern District of California, Thursday, February 2, 2023

SAN DIEGO – U.S. Navy Captain (Retired) David Williams Haas was sentenced today to 30 months in prison by a federal district judge in San Diego on charges that he received more than $90,000 in bribes from foreign defense contractor Leonard Francis, who plied him with luxurious hotel stays, travel, and prostitutes.  Haas was also ordered to pay a criminal fine of $30,000 and restitution in the amount of $90,968.82.

“Public corruption erodes the very fabric of our democracy, threatening the reputation and functioning of our institutions and thus the ability of the United States to lead with credibility,” said U.S. Attorney Randy S. Grossman. “Today’s sentencing, in part, replenishes the well of democracy, signaling to all Americans that the business of your public institutions will be conducted in the light, without bias or favor.”

According to court documents, Haas reciprocated by using his influence within the Navy’s Seventh Fleet to steer ships to GDMA-controlled ports and otherwise advance the interests of Francis and GDMA.

According to the court documents, Haas received the following bribes, among others, from Francis:

On May 11-15, 2012, Francis paid for rooms at the Shangri-La in Jakarta, Indonesia, plus dinner, entertainment at a night club, alcohol and prostitutes for Haas and others.

On June 29-30, 2012, in Tokyo, Japan, Francis paid for a two-day party for Haas and others including transportation, dinner at Nobu Restaurant and entertainment at several hostess clubs where the services of prostitutes were provided, at a cost of more than $75,000.

“Mr. Haas’ sentencing brings accountability and closure to the willful illegal acts of a former U.S. Navy officer, who abused his position, to illegally enrich himself and others, at the expense of the American taxpayer, as well as the safety and security of our naval forces in the Pacific area of operations,” said Kelly P. Mayo, the Director of the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS). “This outcome, and others associated with it, demonstrate the steadfast commitment of DCIS and our law enforcement partners to expose corruption within the Department.”

“Mr. Haas betrayed his oath to his country by soliciting, receiving, and accepting a stream of lavish gifts from GDMA, including over $90,000 in meals, entertainment, hotel expenses, and the services of prostitutes, in return for doing and omitting to do acts in violation of his official Navy duties,” said NCIS Director Omar Lopez. “NCIS and our law enforcement partners remain committed to fully investigating all allegations of bribery and corruption that threaten the integrity of the Department of the Navy.”

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mark W. Pletcher, Valerie Chu, Michelle Wasserman, and David Chu of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California.

DEFENDANT

• Case Number: 18CR3656 
• Captain (Retired) David Williams Haas Age 54 Kailua, Hawaii

SUMMARY OF CHARGES

• Conspiracy to Commit Bribery, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 371
• Maximum Penalty: Five years in prison, a $250,000 fine or twice the gross pecuniary gain or twice the gross pecuniary loss, whichever is greater

INVESTIGATING AGENCIES

• Defense Criminal Investigative Service
• Naval Criminal Investigative Service
• Defense Contract Audit Agency

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