A new development in the wide-reaching scandal involving Navy ship movements traded for luxury travel, hookers or cash - a Navy captain has pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy of bribery.
NBC 7 has learned that Capt. Daniel Dusek, who was under investigation in the alleged bribery ring involving a Singapore businessman, has surrendered to authorities.
When the allegations surfaced involving Leonard Francis, known as "Fat Leonard" to Navy officials, Dusek was relieved of his command of USS Bonhomme Richard.
Dusek served as deputy operations officer aboard the USS Blue Ridge from January 2009-February 2011. It was during this time that Dusek provided classified information to Francis and his associates "dozens of times" according to court documents.
Prosecutors allege Francis bribed Naval officers to make sure their ships were docked at Asian ports, where Francis’ companies allegedly overcharged the Navy for docking services.
The overages cost the U.S. Navy more than $20 million, federal prosecutors allege.
Court documents released Thursday include emails from Francis that describe Dusek as a "golden asset to drive the big decks [aircraft carriers] into our fat revenue GDMA ports."
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In exchange for releasing confidential ship movement information and advocating for GDMA to senior Navy officials, Dusek received a stay at the Marriott Waikiki and the services of a prostitute while in the Philippines among other things, the documents show.
Dusek arranged for USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Group to use Port Klang, Malaysia in October 2010. The port is owned by Francis.
In February 2011, federal officials say Dusek was provided an eight-night stay in Manila with alcohol, entertainment and prostitutes.
The value of items received by Dusek as a result of the relationship was estimated to be $10,000.
Dusek's guilty plea was revealed just hours before Francis was expected in court to formally enter his own guilty plea to bribery charges.
Check back for updates on this developing story.
