United States Attorney's Office for the Western District of Texas

09/20/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/20/2024 12:46

San Antonio VA Official Sentenced for Accepting Bribe as Contracting Consultant

Press Release

San Antonio VA Official Sentenced for Accepting Bribe as Contracting Consultant

Friday, September 20, 2024
For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Western District of Texas

SAN ANTONIO - A Veteran's Affairs contracting officer in San Antonio was sentenced after a guilty plea to taking a bribe in return for contract.

According to court documents, Glenn Dartone Johnson, 50, identified himself as a "consultant" and was hired by codefendant Javor McCoy to help McCoy win bids for VA transportation contracts. Using his acquisition knowledge gained through his official position, Johnson helped McCoy improve his chances of winning two competitive awards. On or about Aug. 13, 2021 and Aug. 23, 2021, McCoy paid Johnson a total of approximately $100,000 by placing the U.S. currency into a gym locker for Johnson to collect, which he did.

Johnson pleaded guilty on Dec. 20, 2023, to one count of conspiracy to commit bribery of a public official. In addition to the sentence, Johnson will forfeit $43,790, pay a $58,000 fine, and serve 1,500 hours of community service.

"Protecting the integrity of government funds is one of the most important functions of our office," said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas. "The public deserves to have confidence in how their tax dollars are spent, and this case demonstrates our commitment to ensuring that those who abuse the contracting system will be held responsible."

"The Department of Veterans Affairs is charged with serving those who served our country," said Special Agent in Charge Aaron Tapp of the FBI's San Antonio field office. "Any employee seeking to take advantage of their position to enrich themselves will be held accountable. The FBI remains committed to ensuring our veterans and the benefits they deserve are preserved, protected and honored."

"This sentence should send a clear message that those who would defraud VA's programs and services will be held accountable," said Special Agent in Charge Kris Raper with the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General's South Central Field Office. "The VA OIG thanks the U.S. Attorney's Office, and our law enforcement partners for their efforts to achieve justice in this case."

The FBI and VA-OIG investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Justin Chung and Jay Porier prosecuted the case.

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Updated September 20, 2024
Topic
Public Corruption