Fuel supplier found guilty of scheme to defraud US Navy and Coast Guard

"Mr Butler exploited the integrity of the SEA Card Program — a vital logistical capability that enables the US Navy to conduct rapid, global refueling operations and sustain mission readiness," said Special Agent in Charge Greg Gross of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) Economic Crimes Field Office.

NCIS was one of three federal agencies that investigated the case.

"NCIS and our law enforcement partners remain committed to rooting out criminal activity that undermines public trust in the integrity of the Department of the Navy’s procurement process," Gross continued.

Sentencing is set for April 8, 2026. Butler faces maximum penalties of 20 years in prison for each count of wire fraud, up to 10 years for each count of forgery, and up to 10 years for each count of money laundering.

A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the US Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.