that allowed him to exercise influence over naval contracts. The scheme lasted from December 2016 to August 2022.

According to the DOJ, Wright and Aragon created CCP with the understanding that Aragon would become a 50% partner after retiring from the Navy. Aragon promised to help CCP obtain Navy contracts. In return, Wright paid him thousands of dollars in kickbacks and provided other benefits, including payments to a sporting club Aragon operated.

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Aragon also arranged for CCP to receive payments for products and services it had not provided. Wright and Aragon later rigged bids to help CCP win subcontracts, the DOJ explained.

The agency said Wright submitted false invoices claiming that CCP had completed work for MUSE. The prime contractor used that information in invoices to the Navy, which then issued payments.

Beginning in September 2017, Wright and Aragon worked to make CCP MUSE's next prime contractor. They created fraudulent documents, including a fake past-performance questionnaire, and concealed Aragon's role and financial interest in the company. The Navy awarded CCP the contract in July 2019. Wright continued submitting false documents and invoices until the Navy terminated three of the company's task orders in late 2022 and early 2023.

Aragon pleaded guilty on April 21 to one count of bribery of a public official. Judge Blumenfeld sentenced him on August 25 to 12 months and one day in federal prison and ordered him to pay $97,960 in restitution.