He fleeced the Navy for millions, then fled the country. Now he wants a pardon.

2 days ago 6

Democracy Dies in Darkness

In an exclusive interview, the legendary con man known as Fat Leonard, back in prison, tells The Post about his wild escape and his bid for a presidential pardon.

July 12, 2026

Leonard Glenn Francis, right, raises a toast to Navy Capt. David Newland, left, the 7th Fleet chief of staff, at a banquet for officers from the USS Blue Ridge in Singapore on March 9, 2006. (Glenn Defense Marine Asia)

LOMPOC, Calif. — Wearing an extra-large tan prison uniform, the man who seduced legions of U.S. Navy officers with prostitutes and bribes shuffled into a visiting room at a remote federal penitentiary on the Pacific coast. He squeezed his hulking frame into a tiny plastic chair. A grin twinkled across his face. He had some secrets to tell.