Seven people, including the self-proclaimed “Godfather of Camp Pendleton,” pleaded guilty in federal court Friday in connection with a bribery and kickbacks scheme at federal facilities.
Investigators say U.S. Department of Defense employee Natividad “Nate” Cervantes used his position to extort bribes from companies seeking to do business with Camp Pendleton. According to the FBI, Cervantes accepted bribes since as early as September 2008.
The other six people to plead guilty were government contractors.
In return for major contracts with businesses, investigators say Cervantes received thousands in cash payments and remodeling work on a condominium.
He was arrested on March 28 after allegedly accepting $10,000 in cash from a witness that was cooperating with the FBI.
