Ex-Poway defense contractor begins prison term

By Greg Moran,

Special to Pomerado News

Former Poway defense contractor Brent Wilkes was convicted of bribing ex- Congressman Randy “Duke” Cunningham at a federal court nearly seven years ago.

On Friday, with his appeals virtually exhausted, Wilkes surrendered to federal marshals in San Antonio, Texas, to serve his 12-year-sentence.

It marks the end of a long battle for Wilkes, 59, and a frustrating process for federal prosecutors who wanted him locked up. Wilkes was convicted in 2007 of lavishing gifts, trips, meals and cash on Cunningham, who in turn used his influence to steer lucrative government contracts to Wilkes’ company, ADCS.

But for most of the past seven years, save for an 11-month stint in 2008, Wilkes has been out on bond while his appeals worked their way through the system.

On Friday the prosecutors who convicted him said his return to federal custody was long overdue.

“Brent Wilkes spent years bribing one of San Diego’s congressional representatives,” said Assistant U.S. Attorney Phil Halpern. “Unlike every other defendant connected to this still-unrivaled corruption scheme, he spent years running from responsibility for his crimes and the jury’s resounding verdict against him. Today, Mr. Wilkes reached the finish line – at the federal prison where he will spend the next decade of his life. On this occasion, justice delayed did not mean justice denied.”

Since 2012 Wilkes has been living in Texas near his family, said his lawyer, federal public defender Shereen Charlick.