'Godfather' of Pendleton admits to bribery

[unhappycamper]

http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/jan/21/godfather-camp-pendleton-bribery-contractor/?st



Natividad "Nate" Cervantes, known as the "Godfather of Camp Pendleton," walks into federal court in San Diego, where he pleaded guilty to taking bribes from defense contractors. The woman on his right is unidentified.

'Godfather' of Pendleton admits to bribery
By Kristina Davis
4:17 p.m.Jan. 21, 2014Updated5:45 p.m.

SAN DIEGO — A construction supervisor who referred to himself as the 'Godfather of Camp Pendleton' for his influence over millions of dollars in contracts on the Marine base pleaded guilty in San Diego federal court Tuesday to bribery and conspiracy.

The prosecution of Natividad 'Nate' Cervantes is one of several corruption probes that have dealt a bruising blow to military circles in San Diego County and around the world the past year -- from a decade-long fraud scandal at North Island Naval Air Station to the widening bribery scheme involving Malaysian contractor known as "Fat Leonard" Francis.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Barbara Major took Cervantes' plea and set his sentencing date for April 18, when he faces a maximum term of 20 years in prison. Cervantes is being allowed to remain free on $20,000 bond.

He is accused of extorting nearly $107,000 in bribes from 2008 to 2011 for lucrative contracts on base, including cash, a job for his granddaughter and remodeling work on two of his homes, according to court records.