‘Fat Leonard,’ a fugitive now returning to the US, was behind one of the military’s biggest scandals

By LOLITA C. BALDOR AND JULIE WATSON
Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — Convicted defense contractor Leonard “Fat Leonard” Francis is being returned to U.S. custody as part of the Venezuelan prisoner swap. It’s the latest twist in a decade-long salacious saga and bribery scheme that swept up dozens of Navy officers. Francis was arrested in a San Diego hotel in September 2013 as part of a federal sting. He faced charges of buying off dozens of top Navy officers with booze, sex and parties so he could overcharge for supplying ships or have ships redirected to more lucrative ports. Just before his sentencing he escaped and was later apprehended in Venezuela. President Joe Biden says Leonard will now face justice for the crimes he committed.