Armed Forces News

A pre-trial hearing into allegations that a Navy officer, a Navy criminal investigator, and two defense contractors conspired to commit bribery began Nov. 1 in a San Diego federal court. Cmdr. Michael Misiewicz, Naval Criminal Investigative Service investigator John Beliveau, and the contractors – Leonard Francis and Alex Wisdigama – each pleaded not guilty to the charges. According to a report by Voice of America, Singapore-based Glenn Defense Marine Asia company provided Misiewicz and Beliveau with numerous gifts, including concert tickets, luxury travel, and prostitutes. Francis is president of the company. In exchange, Misiewicz stands accused of directing Navy vessels to port facilities the company manages. Glenn Defense Marine Asia, in turn, overbilled the Navy for a variety of pier-side services, according to court papers. Beliveau is accused of providing Francis with information regarding a three-year criminal investigation into the activity. If convicted, each could face five years in prison.