WASHINGTON, Nov. 11 (UPI) -- A retired officer with the U.S. Special Operations Command has been charged with trying to bribe a civilian employee.
Col. Thomas Spellissy pleaded not guilty this week, USA Today reported.
The case against Spellissy is another embarrassment for SOCOM. Another investigation looked into claims of influence peddling involving top officers including its commander, Army Gen. Bryan "Doug" Brown. The Senate Armed Services Committee is investigating a $20 million "slush fund."
Spellissy formed a company, Strategic Defense International, before he retired. Prosecutors say he sought clients who wanted to do business with the agency and bribed William Burke, a SOCOM employee who pleaded guilty last month and agreed to cooperate with the investigation.
SOCOM oversees units like the Green Berets and the Navy SEALS. Its budget increased rapidly after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
