A former Central Intelligence Agency Executive Director pled guilty this morning of defrauding the United States and faces up to 20 years in prison. Kyle “Dusty” Foggo, 53, of Vienna, admitted in U.S. District Court in Alexandria that he had abused his authority by influencing the CIA to hire companies and individuals with whom he had concealed his personal relationships.
Over a period of several years, Foggo had a standing offer for a high-level, high-paying position with his best friend, Brent Wilkes, who is currently serving a 12-year sentence following his conviction for bribing former Congressman Randall “Duke” Cunningham.
Foggo admitted that he allowed Wilkes to conceal their close relationship by adopting false cover stories and using “straw men” and shell companies to conceal Wilkes’ interest in CIA contracts. As described in the indictment, Foggo caused the CIA to enter into these lucrative contracts without disclosing his interests.
Foggo joined the CIA following his graduation from San Diego State University, embarking on a 23-year career with the Agency. He became the chief of an overseas location from July 2001 to November 2004. In November 2004, he became the Executive Director of the CIA. He resigned May 8, 2006.
Foggo and Wilkes were originally indicted together in California in February 2007. A year later, following Wilkes’ sentencing in the Cunningham bribery case, the government elected to proceed against Foggo alone in the Eastern District of Virginia.
Foggo faces up to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.
Sentencing is set for Jan. 8, 2009.