SEATTLE — An Edmonds man was convicted of five federal crimes Friday for siphoning away more than $50,000 from the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps.
A U.S. District Court jury deliberated for two hours before finding Michael Noel Leighton, 49, guilty of four counts of wire fraud and one count of embezzlement, the U.S. Attorneys Office said in a press release.
Leighton had volunteered as a training officer for the local sea cadet unit based in Snohomish and Skagit counties. The program was supported by federal grants and fees paid by the parents of sea cadets.
Leighton and a family member were given control of the bank account. Between 2011 and 2012, he withdrew thousands of dollars for meals, gas and to buy firearms and firearms accessories — expenses not allowed under the program.
Audits showed he’d submitted fraudulent reports to cover up the misdeeds, prosecutors said.
Sentencing is scheduled for February.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.