Oceanside
An Oceanside man who pleaded guilty to paying a kickback to a defense contractor in return for business was sentenced to four months in jail and ordered to pay a $25,000 fine.
Michael Berlant, 53, a sales representative for MTM Fasteners, a firm that sells fasteners used in aircraft, was sentenced Tuesday by U.S. District Judge William B. Enright. The case marks the first conviction in the San Diego federal court under a 1986 law aimed at stemming kickbacks, prosecutors said.
Berlant pleaded guilty May 13 to one count of providing a kickback, according to Assistant U.S. Atty. Melanie K. Pierson, the prosecutor. Berlant admitted providing a kickback to a buyer for Rohr Industries to obtain favorable treatment for his firm, Pierson said in a statement issued after the sentencing.
Rohr, which has filed a civil suit linked to the case, estimates its losses at $289,000, Pierson said. She said prosecutors expect Berlant’s case to lead to further criminal charges but declined to elaborate.
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
