Couple pleads not guilty in SPAWAR corruption case

Federal prosecutor Robert Ciaffa tells federal magistrate Leo Papas he has "strong case" against five defendants accused of corruption and bribery involving a San Diego Naval Research Center, SPAWAR.

The evidence includes "wire taps" and "bank reports". The defendants have been under surveillance for 18 months where they've been seen "exchanging lots of cash".

At a court appearance at the Federal Courthouse Wednesday afternoon, all five pled not guilty.


The main case focuses on Gary and his wife, Kelly Alexander. U.S. attorney, Robert Ciaffa, alleges the couple accepted nearly $500,000 in bribes and a $6,000 rolex watch. Subcontractors Elizabeth Ramos and her husband, Louis Williams, owned Technical Logistics Corporation or TLC in National City. The couple is accused of bribing the Alexanders with cash that included a paid vacation to Palm Springs. Within weeks of receiving the money and gifts, contracts were approved for Kratos and TLC. Gary Alexander went as far as securing a job for his mistress, Sinthia Nares. The 21-page indictment alleges money from her salary came from the U.S. Government.

SPAWAR officials refused to go on-camera with FOX 5. We asked the question what happens to the contracts Gary Alexander handled? SPAWAR's public affairs officer, Roger Copeland, tells us in a statement that the company is still assessing and reviewing the situation. However, no decisions have been made in regards to contract actions.

The statement goes on to read: "SPAWAR employees remain committed to the highest standards of conduct, ethics and dedication to serving the U.S. and the taxpayers."

The case came to light after an anonymous tip to the FBI. The FBI won't comment on whether or not the tip came from an employee at SPAWAR.

The sixth defendant, Jackie Godwin, a former employee at Kratos Defense Security Solutions, was arrested in Georgia. He was fired from his job at Kratos last year.

The indictment does not named Kratos Defense Security Solutions or TLC as defendants.

Kratos issued a statement to FOX 5 that the company has been cooperating with the federal investigation.

The Alexanders are on unpaid leave from their jobs at SPAWAR since September 2008.

The judge sets bail for the Alexanders at $50,000. Elizabeth Ramos and Louis Williams' bail is at $30,000 and bail for Sinthia Nares is at $25,000.