Politics & Government

Herndon Engineering Firm Owner Pleads Guilty to Bribing Gov. Official

The owner of FLBE, Inc. in Herndon faces a maximum of 15 years in prison after pleading guilty to paying bribes to a GSA official in exchange for government contracts.

The owner of a Herndon engineering firm was convicted Monday of paying bribes to a government official in exchange for government contracts.

Francisco L. Bituin, 58, of Sterling, pleaded guilty Monday to paying bribes to a GSA official in exchange for assistance obtaining government contracts for Bituin’s engineering firm, according to a release from the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia.

Bituin is the owner of FLBE, Inc., an engineering firm based in Herndon that has received more than $30 million in government contracts since 2003. Bituin admitted to paying bribes to an official at the U.S. General Services Administration who reportedly recommended Bituin’s company for GSA-managed contracts.

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The bribes included a $3,750 golf club membership and $2,000 in cash in addition to offers for access to a retirement home in Las Vegas, the down payment on a home in Virginia, and a 5 percent stake in FLBE.

Bituin faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison. His sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 7, 2014.

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