SAN DIEGO — The fourth of nine Navy officers who were headed to trial in the "Fat Leonard" bribery scandal pleaded guilty on Wednesday.
Former Capt. Donald Hornbeck, 61, pleaded guilty in San Diego federal court to one count of bribery of a public official, one month ahead of the expected trial start date. The plea has been in the works for a while — his lawyer implied a guilty plea was imminent back in November, and a previously scheduled change of plea hearing was canceled last month due to COVID-19.
In the plea agreement, Hornbeck admitted to using his position to steer Navy business to Singapore-based contractor Leonard Glenn Francis, nicknamed for his girth. In return, Hornbeck was bribed with extravagant dinners, luxury hotel stays and hedonistic parties with prostitutes, at a value of at least $67,000, according to court records.
