Ex-NASA official pleads guilty to making illegal profits by steering contracts

Ex-NASA official pleads guilty in contracts case

JACKSON, Miss. — NASA’s former chief of staff has pleaded guilty to conspiracy in a case stemming from a $600,000 contract for Mississippi State University, a client of his consulting firm.

Sheila Wilbanks, a U.S. Attorney’s office spokeswoman, said Courtney Stadd pleaded guilty Wednesday in federal court in Gulfport, Miss.

Stadd faces up to five years in prison at sentencing on Nov. 18.

Prosecutors say Stadd conspired with Liam Sarsfield, NASA’s former chief deputy engineer, to guide contracts. Sarsfield pleaded guilty in November to one count.

Stadd was NASA’s chief of staff and White House liaison from 2001-2003. Stadd was convicted in 2009 and sentenced to probation in a different case for steering a $10 million contract to MSU.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Federal court records show that NASA’s former chief of staff plans to plead guilty in a case stemming from a $600,000 contract awarded to Mississippi State University, a client of his consulting firm.

Courtney Stadd faces nine charges, including conspiracy. Court documents didn’t indicate to which charges he would plead during a hearing scheduled later Wednesday in Gulfport.

Stadd’s attorneys didn’t immediately respond to messages.

Prosecutors say Stadd conspired with Liam Sarsfield, NASA’s former chief deputy engineer, to guide contracts where they wanted. Sarsfield pleaded guilty in November to one count.

Stadd was NASA’s chief and White House liaison from 2001 to 2003. Stadd was convicted in 2009 and sentenced to probation in a different case for steering a $10 million contract to MSU.