A former commander who pleaded guilty takes the witness stand against five former Navy colleagues accused of taking bribes
As a lieutenant commander in 2008, Stephen Shedd never considered reporting the gifts and favors that he said some of the senior staff of the Navy’s Seventh Fleet exchanged with the military contractor known as “Fat Leonard.”
“We had an understanding of mutually assured destruction,” Shedd testified Thursday to a jury. “We’d all go down in flames or we’d all be protected.” Officially, the ship and its command staff were making port calls to improve naval relations with five foreign allies. Unofficially, it was a chance for some of the highest-ranking officers to party large with Francis — attending gourmet dinners, staying in posh hotel suites and socializing, often privately, with prostitutes on his dime, Shedd said.
With the important guests handled, Francis turned to Shedd, motioned to the remaining women in the suite and said “Go ahead if you want,” Shedd recalled. So he did, grabbing a woman by the hand and having sex with her in his own room, he said. The party continued the following evening in the same vein, this time with 10 to 15 women. Lausman was not present, Shedd said. But he acknowledged he doesn’t remember much more. “I was pretty intoxicated,” he testified.
The last outing Shedd organized was the fall of 2008, days before he was set to transfer out of the Seventh Fleet for a post in Tennessee. It was karaoke bar-hopping in Tokyo with Dolan, Francis and Herrera, he said. At the advice of another officer, Shedd was training Herrera to take over his Francis coordination duties, Shedd said.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
7 Best Breakfasts with Fruit to Shrink Belly Fat, Say Dietitians — Eat This Not ThatIf you're trying to lose belly fat, we rounded up seven dietitian-approved, fruit-themed breakfasts that can help you reach your goals.
Read more »
Jalen Rose talks hip-hop \nand hoops with Fat JoeI’ve been friends with my “Renaissance Man” guest for years and thought I knew everything about him. But during this episode, Fat Joe, dropped a bomb on me. “You know, I mad…
Read more »
In 2022, It's Still Impossibly Hard to Be a Fat Content Creator OnlineTW: This story contains screenshots of fatphobic social media comments that might be triggering to some. 'You can see the difference in how we are treated in the comment section: thinner people get praised, and I get harassed.'
Read more »
The Best Treadmill Exercises, Tips, And Tricks To Burn FatIf working out on the treadmill is your main jam, you're in luck. These are the absolute best treadmill tips, tricks, and exercises to do to burn fat fast and reach your fitness goals. From how to do the popular '12-3-30' workout trend to the most productive movements for firm glutes, your treadmill regimen just got a major update.
Read more »
Accelerate Belly Fat Loss In Your 50s With This HIIT Workout, Trainer Says — Eat This Not ThatExercising regularly can help your body burn calories, and we're here to help with a HIIT workout to accelerate belly fat loss in your 50s.
Read more »
Airbus planning expansion in Mobile as industry sees growing need for new airplanesAirbus is planning a major expansion in the Port City and that means jobs.
Read more »