Former Army Official Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy, Bribery, and Major Fraud Related to Hawaii Defense Contracts

Carlos Duque, a former civilian U.S. Army official, pleaded guilty today to participating in a bribery and major fraud scheme tied to a U.S. Army technology innovation lab in Hawaii. According to court documents, Duque conspired with two defense contractors, Brian Kent and Leonard Pick, from January 2021 to October 2022. The scheme involved Duque accepting bribes totaling approximately $1.25 million over five years in exchange for directing prime contractors to award subcontracts to Kent and Pick’s company. Duque’s actions facilitated the fraudulent inflation of government contracting costs to include the bribe payments.

The U.S. Army paid over $3 million to Kent and Pick’s company as a result of the scheme, which deprived the military of free and fair competition for government contracts. Duque ultimately received approximately $55,000 in bribes from his coconspirators. The plea agreement outlines charges of conspiracy, bribery, and major fraud, with Duque facing significant penalties including imprisonment and fines.

Federal officials emphasized the harm caused by such fraud, noting it undermines public trust in government institutions and military readiness. The Justice Department’s Procurement Collusion Strike Force, alongside multiple law enforcement partners, investigated the case. Statements from officials highlighted the commitment to prosecuting those who exploit government programs for personal gain.

A federal grand jury indicted Kent and Pick in May 2026, with their trial scheduled for May 17, 2027. Duque faces up to 15 years in prison for bribery, among other penalties, and agreed to forfeit $55,166.70. The case underscores the ongoing efforts to ensure integrity in federal contracting and hold accountable those who compromise ethical standards.