Bond denied for major, wife accused of bribery

[unhappycamper]

Bond denied for major, wife accused of bribery
The Associated Press
Posted : Tuesday Dec 18, 2007 17:44:26 EST

SAN ANTONIO — A federal judge has refused to release an Army major and his wife accused of bribery, conspiracy and money laundering in the handling of Defense Department contracts.

U.S. District Judge Royal Furgeson declined a request Tuesday to release Maj. John Cockerham and his wife, Melissa. The couple and the Army major’s sister, Carolyn Blake, were arrested in July and accused of accepting bribes, laundering cash and trying to cover it up.

Blake, who is from Dallas, was released on bond, but the Cockerhams were ordered held after prosecutors argued they posed a flight risk and could use their release to obstruct justice.

The Cockerhams and Blake are accused of taking at least $9.6 million in bribes while Maj. Cockerham was stationed in Kuwait and working as a contracts officer. They were allegedly given kickbacks in 2004 and 2005.

Prosecutors accuse Melissa Cockerham and Blake of accepting the bribes and laundering the money on Maj. Cockerham’s behalf.


Rest of article at: http://www.armytimes.com/news/2007/12/ap_cockerham_071218/