US officer admits Jamaican entertainer bribed him for visa

US State Department security officer David J. Rainsberger has pleaded guilty to accepting two luxury watches from a Jamaican entertainer in exchange for helping him to get an American visa.

Court documents have only listed the artiste as D.B.

Rainsberger, 32, was convicted in a federal court in Alexandria to accepting unlawful gratuities and making false statements.

A release on the website of the US Attorney General’s office, says Rainsberger faces a maximum penalty of two years in prison on the gratuities charge and five years in prison on the false statements charge when he is sentenced on April 19, 2013.

According to court records, Rainsberger served as an assistant regional security officer for investigations at the U.S. embassy in Kingston, Jamaica, from 2009 to 2011.

While there, Rainsberger befriended the well-known Jamaican artiste whose entry to the U.S. had been barred because of allegations of criminal conduct.

Rainsberger’s investigation of artiste resulted in the reinstatement of his visa.

The artiste was then allowed to travel to the U.S. to take advantage of performance and recording opportunities.

The US Attorney General’s office says the artiste bought for Rainsberger two luxury watches worth approximately US$2,500.

In addition, Rainsberger received free admission to nightclubs, backstage access to concerts, and a birthday party hosted by the artiste.

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