Ex-US Navy admiral who partied across Southeast Asia gets 18 months in jail for lying
Over two decades, Robert Gilbeau rose through the ranks to navy admiral and earned a chest full of honours for his service, including a Bronze Star and Purple Heart.
One of our most respected leaders chose karaoke over character
During that period he also partied across Southeast Asia with a gregarious Malaysian businessman who paid for lavish dinners, drinks at karaoke bars and prostitutes.
That businessman, known as “Fat Leonard”, is the centrepiece of a massive bribery scandal involving navy officers, and Gilbeau last year pleaded guilty to lying to investigators about their relationship.
He was the first active duty admiral convicted of a federal crime and on Wednesday he learned his penalty: 18 months in jail.
Acting US Attorney Alana Robinson called it a “sombre day”.
“When tempted by parties and prostitutes, one of our most respected leaders chose karaoke over character and cover-up over confession,” she said. “In doing so he forever tarnished the reputation of a revered institution.”
Gilbeau acknowledged his wrongdoing in federal court in San Diego.