Follow-Up: Navy Commander Sentenced for Taking Bribes in Exchange for Afghan Immigrant Visas
U.S. Navy Commander Jeromy Pittmann stands in front of his unit while on duty in Afghanistan in 2014. A federal court has sentenced Pittmann to 30 months in prison for taking bribes in exchange for letters recommending special immigrant visas for Afghan nationals. Photo credit: U.S. Navy by Petty Officer 1st Class Patrick Gordon.
Bribes for Recommendation Letters
Pittmann accepted bribe payments from Afghan nationals in exchange for drafting, submitting and verifying fraudulent letters of recommendation for Afghan nationals who applied for SIVs with the U.S. State Department, according to a Justice Department public statement. These letters are a key requirement to receive an SIV.
The investigation showed that Pittmann signed over 20 letters in which he fraudulently represented that he knew and supervised the Afghan national visa application while they worked as translators supporting U. S. military and NATO operations. The letters also stated that their lives were in jeopardy because the Taliban considered them traitors. Pittmann also certified that, according to his personal knowledge of those applicants, they didn’t pose any threat to the national security of the United States.
However, an investigation showed that Pittmann didn’t actually know these applicants. Pittman received thousands in bribes, which he laundered through fake invoices, prosecutors say. The invoices falsely showed that the money was for legitimate work instead of the false recommendation letters.
Pittmann was convicted of these charges in July 2024. You can read about The Daily Muck’s earlier trial coverage here.
What is Special Immigrant Visa (SIV)?
The SIV program was established by the U. S. to help those who worked with the U. S. government or Military in Iraq and Afghanistan and whose lives are endangered because of their service.
These men and women who worked as interpreters, translators, or had other support roles can apply if they face threats because of their jobs.
Legally, the State Department currently can issue a maximum of 50 SIVs annually, according to the State Department’s website. Due to this restriction, Pittmann’s actions could have prevented deserving candidates from receiving SIVs, exacerbating the danger of reprisals to them and their families.
You can read more about the SIV program here.
Statements by Officials
Officials involved in the investigation and prosecution of this case said they brought charges because Pittmann’s actions not only was unfair to legitimate SIV applicants but also undermined the security of Americans working in war zones.
Nicole Argentieri, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General and head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Divison, said that this program is essential for the security of the U. S. military and diplomatic personnel in Afghanistan, as it helps protect Afghan nationals who risk their safety to help the United States.
“Jeromy Pittmann, however, used his position of authority over the program to benefit foreign nationals who paid him bribes, falsely asserting that they had served the United States,” Argentieri said. “Today’s sentence demonstrates that the Justice Department has zero tolerance for those who place their self-interest ahead of our national security.”
“This case shows how someone betrayed his sacred oath of office to commit crimes for personal gain, with no regard for how his actions could threaten U.S. homeland security and harm Afghans, who risked their lives to help the United States,” said Inspector General John Sopko. “It also shows how a U.S. Government investigation — from initial tip to prosecution to conviction — can hold individuals accountable for their crimes.”
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