Retired General Accused of Obstruction of Justice

Federal authorities arrested a retired U.S. Air Force Reserve brigadier general Monday for allegedly telling an informant to destroy documents relating to his role in a Defense Department kickback investigation.

Robert Leigh Tate, 67, of Irvine was arrested on obstruction of justice charges at the El Segundo office of the U.S. Defense Systems Management College, where he works as director of the western region, according to Assistant U.S. Atty. Christopher Johnson.

The Defense Criminal Investigative Service is looking into allegations that several area hotel operators paid Tate about $40,000 in exchange for information on students scheduled to attend events at the college, so the hotels could solicit their business. The Department of Defense school provides education and training for hundreds of government employees responsible for acquiring weapons systems.

Johnson said the obstruction of justice charge stems from a conversation Tate had last May with a hotel manager, in which he told the manager to destroy any evidence that he had been receiving money for the students’ names. The manager, Johnson said, was wearing a hidden recording device and cooperating with authorities.

Tate will be charged with obstruction of justice at his arraignment, which was set for May 14, Johnson said. He said the investigation is continuing.

“He abused his official position by selling information obtained in his official capacity for private gain,” Johnson said of Tate. “And then, when apprised of the investigation, he directed the destruction of evidence.”

If convicted, Tate faces a maximum of five years in prison.

Tate, who was released on bond later in the day, was not available for comment.