Friday, November 8, 2013

ADMIRALS INVESTIGATED FOR ALLEGATIONS OF IMPROPER RELATIONS WITH DEFENSE CONTRACTOR

FROM:  U.S. NAVY 
U.S. Navy Admirals Investigated by NCIS
Story Number: NNS131108-37 Release Date: 11/8/2013 7:21:00 PM 
Special Defense Media Activity
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- STATEMENT BY REAR ADMIRAL JOHN F. KIRBY, NAVY CHIEF OF INFORMATION

The Navy suspended today the access to classified material of Vice Adm. Ted Branch, Director of Naval Intelligence, and Rear Adm. Bruce Loveless, Director of Intelligence Operations.

The decision to suspend their classified access was made based upon the nature of allegations against Admirals Branch and Loveless in connection with an ongoing Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) investigation into illegal and improper relations with Leonard Francis, CEO of Glenn Defense Marine.

The suspension was deemed prudent given the sensitive nature of their current duties and to protect and support the integrity of the investigative process.

The allegations against Admirals Branch and Loveless involve inappropriate conduct prior to their current assignments and flag officer rank. There is no indication, nor do the allegations suggest, that in either case there was any breach of classified information.

It is important to note that allegations are just that, allegations. Neither officer has been charged with any crime or violation. Both men retain their rank and security clearances. They are on temporary leave.

NCIS initiated this investigation in 2010. The Navy appreciates the support we have received from the U.S. Attorney's office and other law enforcement agencies.

We will continue to make public as much information as we can without prejudicing the conduct of this investigation.

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