A 2013 bribery and fraud case against defense contractor Leonard Francis and dozens of military officials has been dealt a major setback after a U.S. District Judge vacated the felony convictions of four former Navy officers due to prosecutorial misconduct. The judge noted that the misconduct had “tainted the entire prosecution” and that the men had been denied their right to a fair trial. The government has recovered more than $35 million in fines and restitution, but it remains to be seen how they will proceed in light of the latest development.
