Chantilly Man Pleads Guilty to Iraqi Bribe Conspiracy

According to a statement released by the Department of Justice, Thomas Aram Manok, 50, of Chantilly, pleaded guilty today to "conspiring to receive bribes from Iraqi contractors involved in the U.S.-funded reconstruction efforts."

According to the statement, "Manok admitted to using his official position to conspire with Iraqi contractors to accept cash bribes in exchange for recommending that the Army Corps of Engineers approve contracts and other requests for payment submitted by the contractors to the U.S. government."

Manok agreed to accept a $10,000 bribe from a contractor who was involved in the construction of a kindergarten and girls' school in the Abu Ghraib area of Baghdad in March and April 2010. The contractor wanted Manok's assistance with getting requests for payment approved by the Corps of Engineers.

Manok was supposed to receive an additional payment from the contractor after the claim had been approved. Manok planned on concealing the bribes by arranging transfers from Iraq to Armenia.

Manok's sentencing has been scheduled for Dec. 9, and he could receive up to five years in prison.