September sentencing in military transportation bribery case

A September sentencing date has been set in New Orleans for a Georgia businessman in connection with a bribery case involving military transportation contracts.

Darrel Fitzpatrick pleaded guilty in January. Prosecutors said that in 2019 he agreed to pay kickbacks totaling $250,000 to a civilian employee of the United States Marines Corps Marine Forces Reserves distribution management office in New Orleans.

Prosecutors said the bribery scheme resulted in nearly $2 million in contracts being corruptly awarded to businesses associated with Fitzpatrick. The former employee, Erik Martin, pleaded guilty earlier in the year and has been sentenced to 45 months in prison.

Fitzpatrick, who according to court records was born in 1990 and also went by the name Patrick Fields, will be sentenced on Sept. 16, according to a document filed in federal court Wednesday.

In Other News

Three top military leaders confirmed after Senate deal

The Senate is expected to fill three vacancies on the Joint Chiefs of Staff — including the chairman post — after a surprise breakthrough Wednesday.

‘Three Chaplains’ follows Muslim fight for military religious freedom

Three muslim chaplains aspire to change perceptions of their religion in the U.S. military.

Poor oversight leaves military barracks in dire condition, report says

The watchdog report documented widespread housing issues with the barracks already familiar to many lower-ranking service members across the armed forces.

Marine veteran Ray Epps pleads guilty to Capitol riot charge

Ray Epps, who claimed in a lawsuit that Fox News made him a scapegoat for the Capitol riot, was charged with disorderly conduct on restricted grounds.

Former Pentagon manpower and diversity chief running for Congress

Gil Cisneros, a Navy veteran and former California congressman, is ready to run again after serving as DoD manpower chief.

Old is new again as Air Force special ops branch revamps training

"The intent, as we’re looking at all of our pipelines, is what can we establish as 'basic mission qualified'?" Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind said.

Will Dems change Senate rules to push ahead military nominations?

Efforts to force Republican Sen. Tommy Tuberville to end confirmation blockade have yet to yield results.

Fighting flares again in breakaway region in Caucasus Mountains

U.S. troops are currently in Armenia as the fighting escalates once more in a nearby separatist region.

Bears raid Krispy Kreme doughnut van on Alaska Air Force Base

A sow and one of her cubs remained inside the van for approximately 20 minutes.

Austin urges nations to dig deep, give Ukraine more air-defense kits

The U.S. defense chief said the 31 M1 Abrams tanks promised months ago will soon begin arriving in Ukraine, as has been expected.

Load More