Attorney Prim F. Escalona | U.S. Department of Justice
Three individuals have admitted to their involvement in a conspiracy to bribe a government official, according to an announcement by United States Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Keith Kelly, Special Agent in Charge for the United States Army Criminal Investigation Division’s Fraud Field Office.
Francisco Guerra from Lexington, Alabama; Coogan Preston from Columbia, South Carolina; and Jason Ingram from Rogersville, Alabama pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Liles Burke. They were charged with conspiracy to bribe a public official. Additionally, Preston admitted guilt to receiving a gratuity as a public official. Their sentencing is scheduled for March 18, 2025.
The plea agreements reveal that the bribery scheme spanned from 2016 to 2021. During this period, Guerra allegedly provided money and other valuable items to Preston, who was working as a government contracting official at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama. In return for these bribes, Preston reportedly identified subcontracting opportunities for Guerra's companies and persuaded the prime contractor to use one of them as a subcontractor.
U.S. Attorney Escalona stated: “This office is committed to prosecuting individuals who illegally prioritize their personal gain over the fiduciary responsibilities of a federal government official.” She added that such actions "undermine the public’s trust and the basic concept of fairness."
Special Agent in Charge Kelly commented: “We are very pleased with today’s announcement.” He emphasized their dedication "to work closely and seamlessly with our outstanding fellow law enforcement agencies" in bringing those who defraud the U.S. Government and U.S. Army to justice.
The investigation was conducted by the Department of the Army’s Criminal Investigation Division with help from several agencies including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations, Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation, and the United States Department of Defense Office of Inspector General-- Defense Criminal Investigative Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lloyd Peeples is leading the prosecution.
