One of the greatest disappointments is the alleged involvement of Cmdr. Michael Misiewicz. Misiewicz was born Vannak Khem in Cambodia but escaped the killing fields when he was adopted at 6 by a U.S. embassy worker. He later attracted global attention by commanding the destroyer USS Mustin in a return to Cambodia for the first time in 37 years. It was a moving story for both countries. However, he also attracted the attention of Fat Leonard for another reason. Francis and an unnamed manager identified Misiewicz “as someone who might be susceptible to providing favor . . . in return for things of value.” The Navy says that he was right. They accuse Misiewicz was given prostitutes, tickets and other bribes to influence him in his later job as deputy operations manager for the Navy’s 7th Fleet, overseeing all naval activities in the western Pacific and Indian oceans. His relationship was so close that he called Francis “Big Bro” and he was called “Little Bro.”
Fat Leonard and his company then proceeded to overcharge the Navy for various services. Just a few examples cited by the Navy exceeded $10 million. Since 2011, Fat Leonard and the Glenn Defense Marine has received a staggering level of contracts worth over $200 million. Francis was allegedly after inside information and steering vessels to ports that used his company for pierside services.
Some of the most incriminating emails come from NCIS Special Agent John Beliveau, 36. According to media reports, Beliveau is accused of helping Francis in dealing with the investigation. He allegedly sent Francis emails. The complaint alleges that in return, Beliveau helped Francis craft a response to an NCIS inquiry and even searched an internal computer database several times for details on the investigation.
Beliveau reportedly emailed Francis, “I will always be your friend but you will get nothing else until I get what you promised . . . I can be your best friend or your worst enemy… I am not an amateur.” If these charges are correct, he is worse than an amateur in sending emails complaining about the failure to make good on bribes.
Misiewicz has his own emails to deal with. Misiewicz, who has a family and children, was noted by the company as preferring Japanese prostitutes and allegedly given such services on more than one occasion. He will have to face emails thanking the company like one that read, “Take care gents, thank you for the best leave (w/o kids that is) ever!”
Given the description of the charges, it was probably better to leave the kids at home when Fat Leonard was entertaining.
Source: Washington Post