Former NCIS Agent Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison for Part in “Fat Leonard” Scandal

John Beliveau II, the former Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) Supervisory Special Agent, was sentenced to 12 years in prison on October 14, 2021 in the Southern District of California’s federal court. In addition to his prison sentence for disclosing sensitive information to a defense contractor in exchange for cash, luxury travel, and prostitutes, Beliveau was ordered to pay $20 million in restitution to the Department of the Navy.

“Beliveau tarnished his NCIS badge and sold sensitive law enforcement information for envelopes of cash, luxury travel and tawdry entertainment,” said Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Criminal Division. “His actions risked an important criminal investigation and the safety of witnesses who agreed to cooperate with law enforcement under the belief that their identities would be protected. Today’s sentence reflects the gravity of those crimes and makes clear that we will not tolerate law enforcement corruption.”

According to a statement released by the DOJ, “Beliveau helped former Glenn Defense Marine Asia (GDMA) CEO Leonard Francis perpetrate a massive fraud scheme on the U.S. Navy by providing information that allowed Francis to avoid, stall and thwart criminal investigations into misconduct by GDMA.” Nicknamed “Fat Leonard” for weight, Francis was the mastermind in the corruption ring of Naval officers.

Beliveau regularly searched through confidential NCIS databases for reports of investigations involving Francis and GDMA, sharing sensitive law enforcement information on ongoing investigations. Over the years, he helped Francis skirt several criminal investigations by providing copies of these reports.

According to the DOJ, Beliveau admitted he attempted to cover up his involvement by asking Francis to delete all incriminating emails and deactivate his email account. He also counseled Francis on how to perpetuate his fraud scheme and evade detection, warning Francis of indictments and a warrant on his email account.

In return, Francis provided Beliveau with envelopes of cash and luxury travel to Singapore, the Philippines and Thailand. Additionally, while Beliveau was stationed in Singapore from 2008 to 2012, Francis provided him with “prostitutes, lavish dinners, entertainment and alcohol at high-end nightclubs” costing upwards of a thousand dollars an outing.

“Today’s sentencing sends a resounding message that justice will be served regardless of rank or position," stated Director Dermot O’Reilly of the Department of Defense’s (DoD) Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), “The conduct of former NCIS Supervisory Special Agent Beliveau is reprehensible. The foundation of our criminal justice system relies on the public’s trust in the law enforcement community. Whenever a law enforcement member breaches that trust, it leaves an indelible stain on those who serve to enforce our nation’s laws. The Defense Criminal Investigative Service and its law enforcement partners will relentlessly pursue any individual who places at risk the safety and security of our armed forces personnel.”

A total of 16 individuals have been charged in connection with the GDMA corruption and fraud investigation thus far. Including Beliveau, 11 of those are current or former U.S. Navy officials, and the five others are GDMA executives.

Beliveau later apologized in a letter to the court, adding he deserves and understands “the feeling of anger, vengeance and disgust from others in my former field.” He asked for forgiveness and offered himself as an example of what not to do in law enforcement.