US Navy commander pleads guilty in bribery scandal

Commander Jose Luis Sanchez admitted that he provided classified ship schedules and other internal US Navy information to a Singapore-based contractor.
 
In return, he took bribes from Glenn Defense Marine Asia, including cash, prostitutes and stays at luxury hotels.
 
"Commander Sanchez sold out his command and country for cash bribes, luxury hotel rooms, and the services of prostitutes," Assistant Attorney General Leslie Caldwell of the Justice Department's Criminal Division said on Tuesday.
 
"After today's guilty plea, instead of free stays at the Shangri-La hotel, Sanchez is facing many nights in federal prison."
 
He gave the information to Leonard Glenn Francis, chief executive of Glenn Defense Marine Asia, from 2009 to 2013.
 
Sanchez, who is one of four Navy members charged in the case, could face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
 
He held key positions in Asia before he was reassigned to Tampa, Florida, in 2013.
 
When he took bribes, he was director of operations and executive officer for the commanding officer of the Navy's Fleet Logistics Command in Yokosuka, Japan.
 
Earlier, petty officer Daniel Layug was providing classified shipping schedules and other internal Navy information to the company.
 
Sanchez will appear for sentencing on March 27 and he refused to speak with reporters following the courtroom.