{"id":43020,"date":"2018-09-25T15:56:19","date_gmt":"2018-09-25T15:56:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/armytimes\/uncategorized\/2018\/09\/25\/democrats-question-past-ethics-of-southcom-nominee\/"},"modified":"2026-08-08T07:40:09","modified_gmt":"2026-08-08T07:40:09","slug":"democrats-question-past-ethics-of-southcom-nominee","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/armytimes\/news\/pentagon-congress\/2018\/09\/25\/democrats-question-past-ethics-of-southcom-nominee\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Democrats are questioning the past ethics of admiral nominated to lead US Southern Command"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

WASHINGTON \u2014 President Donald Trump\u2019s pick to lead U.S. Southern Command<\/a> on Tuesday insisted that his past interactions with a disgraced defense contractor did not amount to a troubling ethical lapse, noting that military officials have cleared him of any wrongdoing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The comments from Vice Adm. Craig Faller<\/a>, who would receive a fourth star and lead the combatant command if confirmed, came during harsh questioning before the Senate Armed Services Committee over allegations outlined in a Washington Post report<\/a> this week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They focus on a Christmas 2004 reception in Hong Kong where Navy officials \u2014 including Faller \u2014 were feted with expensive food and drinks while mingling with women in skimpy costumes and prostitutes. Navy records also indicate that the contractor offered other dinners and gifts to Faller in later years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Defense and Justice Department officials have said Faller did not commit any crimes, but he is among hundreds of naval officers entangled in the case of contractor Leonard Glenn \u201cFat Leonard\u201d Francis, who pled guilty to bribery charges three years ago.<\/p>\n\n\n\t