Investigations

On March 14, 2019, Master Halbert, a citizen of the Federated States of Micronesia, was charged via information in U.S. District Court, Honolulu, Hawaii, with conspiracy to commit money laundering. Halbert was arrested and arraigned on February 11, 2019. On January 22, 2019, co-defendant Frank James Lyon, president of Lyon Associates, Inc., pleaded guilty to conspiring to make corrupt payments to Government officials.

 

As an official in Micronesia’s Department of Transportation, Halbert administered the aviation programs and managed the airports. According to the information, between 2006 and 2016, he accepted bribes in exchange for helping to secure $7.8 million in contracts for Lyon’s company. The two men agreed that the bribes would be transported from the United States to Micronesia.

 

DOT-OIG is conducting this investigation with the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

 

Note: Indictments, informations, and criminal complaints are only accusations by the Government. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.