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

3 days ago 10

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.