Army News, news from Iraq, - Army Times

Quick Links

http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/06/ap_cockerham_062408/
news/2008/06/ap_cockerham_062408

Major, wife plead guilty in Iraq bribery case


The Associated Press
Posted : Wednesday Jun 25, 2008 6:08:59 EDT

SAN ANTONIO — An Army officer and his wife have pleaded guilty in a money laundering scheme involving contracts in Iraq, the U.S. Justice Department said Tuesday.

Maj. John Cockerham, 43, pleaded guilty to one count each of bribery, conspiracy to commit bribery and money laundering, the Justice Department said. His wife, Melissa, 41, pleaded guilty to a count of money laundering.

The pleas were taken on Jan. 31, but weren’t unsealed until Tuesday, the Justice Department said.

John Cockerham admitted to taking or being promised more than $9 million in bribes for awarding contracts while stationed in Kuwait, the Justice Department said. Contracts he was responsible for awarding included bottled water contracts worth millions of dollars.

Once he agreed to take the bribes, Cockerham told contractors to pay his wife, sister and others to hide the activity, the Justice Department said.

Melissa Cockerham admitted that she accepted more than $1 million in illegal bribe payments on her husband’s behalf and that she stored it in safe deposit boxes at banks in Kuwait and Dubai, the Justice Department said.

A trial for John Cockerham’s sister, Carolyn Blake, is set to begin on Oct. 27.

As part of the plea agreements, the government said it would drop two counts of bribery and a count of conspiracy to obstruct justice against John Cockerham and a count of conspiracy and a count of conspiracy to obstruct justice against Melissa Cockerham.

Messages left for the attorneys listed in electronic court documents as representing the Cockerhams were not immediately returned Tuesday.

Contests and Promotions

Service Members Of The Year


promo Your Vote Counts!
The nomination period for the 2009 Military Times Service Members of the Year Award is closed? Return here the week of July 9th for the announcement of winners.

Win a Montague Paratrooper® Tactical Folding Mountain Bike


promo Enter To Win...
Win the Grand Prize: Montague Paratrooper® Tactical Folding Mountain Bike. Originally crafted for the U.S. Special Forces. FIRST PRIZE: Leatherman Micra Multi-Tool. 50 Winners!

Marketplace

Military Times Gear Shop


COOLMAX  Extreme S S Shirt COOLMAX Extreme S S Shirt
This COOLMAX® short-sleeve shirt reduce skin temperature while offering excellent moisture management properties.

Price: $10.99

Military Discounts


Save on your purchases!
In honor of your military service, you can find regular and name brand products at a special discount.

Shoplocal

  Shop Local
Local Online Deals
Find the best deals at your local stores.