NORFOLK, Va., April 28 (UPI) -- A former U.S. Navy officer was sentenced to three years in federal prison Thursday for bribing a master sergeant to steer contracts to his girlfriend's company.
Frankie J. Hand of Chesapeake, Va., who left the Navy with the rank of lieutenant commander, pleaded guilty to one count of bribery, The Virginian-Pilot reported. A judge told him to surrender by May 31.
Investigators say Hand met Michelle Adams, a government contractor, in Iraq. He began a relationship with her and became a silent partner in her company, Global Procurement Inc.
Hand agreed to help Adams and her business partner, Peter Dunn, get contracts for mess halls in Iraq. He received $19,000 in kickbacks and paid $50,000 plus an expensive watch to Master Sgt. Mark Carnes, who was in charge of fixing up the eating facilities at Camp Taji.
All four pleaded guilty. Carnes was sentenced to 20 months and Dunn to 14, while Adams is awaiting sentencing.
