Retired Admiral Charged In US Navy Bribery Scandal

The latest development in a 3-year old corruption scandal involving the US Navy officers for selling military secrets to an Asian defense contractor, has come to attention again with the arrest of an official on Tuesday.

Bruce Loveless, who recently retired, became the second admiral charged in the investigation, increasing the number of current and former officials charged to 20 in one of the Navy's worst corruption scandals, AP reported Tuesday. 

He is being investigated for selling classified shipping schedules and other information to help a Singapore-based contractor, Glenn Defense Marine Asia, in exchange for prostitutes, stays at luxury hotel and other favors.

Loveless was an assistant chief of staff, responsible for assessing foreign intelligence in the Seventh Fleet's area of responsibility, which includes Southeast Asia and Australia.

Five other defendants were arrested Tuesday in Texas, Pennsylvania, Florida, Colorado and Virginia. None had attorneys listed in court documents. Five executives of the company also have been charged. The owner of Glenn Defense Marine Asia, Leonard Glenn Francis, has pleaded guilty to fraud and is awaiting sentencing.

Last year, Capt. Daniel Dusek, the former commander of the USS Bonhomme Richard, an amphibious assault ship, received a 46-month prison sentence and was ordered to pay $100,000 in fines and restitution during a hearing in federal court in San Diego.

To date, 13 defendants have pleaded guilty, including another admiral who was sentenced in June and is believed to be the first active-duty Naval flag officer charged in federal court. Other cases are pending.