CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas - A former Corpus Christi contracting officer with the U.S. Army has admitted to violating The Trade Secrets Act, announced U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson.
The Trade Secrets Act prohibits an officer or employee of the United States from publishing, divulging, disclosing or making known in any manner or to any extent not authorized by law any information coming to them in the course of their employment or official duties.
Evangelina Prado, 60, was a contracting officer with the U.S. Army at the Corpus Christi Army Depot (CCAD). While performing her duties as a contracting officer, Prado disclosed procurement sensitive information dealing with contract bids for work that was to be performed at CCAD. The information was disclosed prior to the close of the bidding process and was not authorized by law.
Prado pleaded guilty today before U.S. Magistrate B. Janice Ellington. Following the plea, the court ordered she pay a $1,000 fine and serve two years of probation.
The U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command-Major Procurement Fraud Unit conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Hugo R. Martinez prosecuted the case.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
