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Return to Article: Weapons dealer pleads not guilty to procurement fraud

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  This shouldn't suprise anyone that there is a problem with munitions being delivered to the troops. Our history is full of this type of theft/deceit to produce profit. During World War part one a contractor providing munitions to the troops cried the blues when the primers on bullets would not fire and he was being "unfairly punished". After all you could just chamber another round if the first one didn't fire. Mind you they where bolt action rifles that fired one shot at a time and in combat that one time may be your only chance to stay alive. Contractor theft by producing substandard, faulty material has always been a quick way to produce profit and crying the blues has always been their response when they are caught. I am for stripping all they have down to their shorts and applying large quantities of tar and feather to start with.

  CincyAuditor Posted July 15, 2008 12:03 PM
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  Follow the money. The 22 year old, from Israel, living in Florida is the front man, not the ring leader. There is a lot more to this story. Transfer of money from the US to Israel via arms and ammunition. Just one more way to take us for a ride.

  Mike Posted July 11, 2008 9:09 AM
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  Essentially, the Government is back pedaling on this issue. They are making an issue of their blunder by undertaking the stance of any wrongdoing and bringing charges against the contractor with whom they entered into contractual services; while their eyes were wide open through the entire process. The individual who should be under the microscope is he/she who initiated the contract. The contractor fulfilled the requirements of the contract albeit using ammunition from China, which was banned. However, the contract specialist, KO and SBA should also be responding to queries as to why/how/when/what? To say the least, none of these Government individuals are naive or simplistic and should account for their actions as well. In fact, these representatives should be scrutinized thoroughly for malfeasance and the contractor should not be indicted (since the Government was aware the ammunition was from China) and be charged with a minor infraction. Unfortunately, the Government has egg all over its face relative to this fiasco. Obviously, all the training in the world is not going to correct the problems in the Acquisition arena....we've just got to hire personnel who are sharp in dealing with others in procurement and business matters.

  CAE Posted July 10, 2008 7:41 AM
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  gee wiz, more hard earned taxpayer dollars down the toilet. when will all this corruption, incompetence, ineptness, dishonesty, and unethical behavior end?

  it's time the acquisition community cleaned house ... as arnold would say... "time to take out the garbage"...

  not only is $300 million dollars down the toilet... just think of all the legal fees and costs involved in putting these knuckleheads in prison.

  Mr. Gates should fire everyone who touched this contract, read the contract, knew about the contract...starting with those that testified in that hearing.

  Just like a Navy ship captain... he get's removed for cause immediately, whether he had any direct knowledge or not.

  take some action mr. gates... clean house.

  frank Posted July 9, 2008 9:36 PM
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  This is the problem with the internet. Every idiot with an opinion is allowed to type whatever they want, where ever they want.

  Its important to understand the facts when commenting on any news story.

  No one was injured due to any of the ammunition. The contracts called for 40yr old surplus ammo. The problem is it was in someway (with or with out) the governments knowledge from China.

  Samantha Posted July 9, 2008 4:42 PM
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  I'm sure the feds involved will all get a bonus and extra time off for their due diligence. Promotions are in their future

  Dan ketter Posted July 9, 2008 3:54 PM
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  Check the policical money. who did he give bucks to?

  wise Old Owl Posted July 9, 2008 2:44 PM
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  I love it. This guy is free on bail, while his malfeasance likely caused the death of some of our soldiers. How the hell did this guy get $298M, without some kind of audit as to the quality of the ammunition? If the Pentagon really knew what was going on, someone there needs to be brought up on CRIMINAL charges for reckless endangerment or worse... Oh, and small business isn't always the way to go on large quantity items.

  a taxpayer and a federal worker Posted July 9, 2008 7:57 AM