Derrick Shoemake pleaded guilty yesterday to accepting $250,000 in bribes to influence DoD bottled water contracts at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. This is the latest in a string of convictions related to what now appears to be a widespread practice of bribery of government officials related to the U.S. war efforts in the Middle East. FraudBlawg has previously reported related bribery schemes, here. Shoemake will be sentenced later this year and may serve up to 30 years in prison. Additionally he has agreed to forfeit the $250,000 and may yet pay additional fines and monetary penalties.

Pursuant to the federal False Claims Act and the Dodd-Frank Act, individuals who report first-hand knowledge of bribery may be entitled to as much as three times the amount the bribe or the related contract plus attorneys’ fees, interest, and penalties.

To report bribery or other False Claims Act violations, contact Frohsin & Barger.