Former Navy Commander Jailed for Accepting Bribes in Afghan Visa Fraud Scheme

After accepting gratuities in exchange for falsifying Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) documents intended for Afghan allies who collaborated with U.S. forces, Jeromy Pittmann, a former Navy commander, was sentenced to 30 months in prison. In July, a federal jury in New Hampshire convicted Pittmann, 53, of bribery, conspiracy, and money laundering for abusing his authority over the SIV program for personal benefit.

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The Department of Justice (DOJ) disclosed that Pittmann, a resident of Pensacola, Florida, created and verified fraudulent recommendations for Afghan nationals he had never met. Pittmann fraudulently certified their service to the United States in exchange for bribes. He employed Western Union and a front company, "PITTMANN Enterprises, LLC," to disguise the funds as "consulting fees" to evade detection.

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Pittmann "falsely vouched for individuals who did not serve the U.S.," according to principal deputy assistant attorney general Nicole Argentieri. This action jeopardized national security and undermined the visa program. Inspector General John Sopko also underscored that Pittmann's actions compromised Afghan allies whose lives are at risk under Taliban rule, betraying his "sacred oath of office."

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According to court records, Pittmann processed more than 20 fraudulent letters verifying his personal supervision of Afghan interpreters and contractors from 2018 to 2020. Pittmann conveyed his satisfaction with the bribery payments in emails to a co-conspirator, expecting that they would assist in resolving his personal debts.

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This conviction emphasizes the Department of Justice's dedication to maintaining the integrity of programs that are designed to recognize and protect Afghan nationals who have assisted the United States.

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