HAWAII — A pair of Florida defense contractors have been charged in connection with an alleged bribery and fraud scheme tied to a U.S. Army technology innovation project in Hawaii. Federal prosecutors say the case involved efforts to manipulate the procurement process surrounding the Hawaii-Pacific Innovation Campus, a facility intended to support testing and development of emerging military technologies.

According to the Justice Department, Leonard Pick and Brian Kent allegedly conspired to pay a U.S. Army employee approximately $1.25 million in bribes over a five-year period while inflating government contract costs to conceal the payments. Prosecutors also allege Kent directed roughly $680,000 in government funds to his own consulting business through fraudulent billing practices.

“The overseas contracting industry relies on integrity and transparency to maintain mission readiness and public trust. Cases involving procurement fraud and bribery hurt honest companies competing for defense work and raise serious concerns about accountability within the contracting process.” — POC

Federal officials stated the investigation centers on corruption within the military procurement process in Hawaii’s defense contracting sector. Multiple agencies — including the FBI, NCIS, DCIS, GSA OIG, and Army investigators — are involved in the ongoing probe.

The defendants face charges including conspiracy, bribery, major fraud against the United States, and wire fraud. If convicted, some charges carry penalties of up to 20 years in federal prison.