Sargeant’s attorney, Chris Kise, noted that there is added cost and danger in transporting fuel through Jordan and into Iraq. “They should have said the reasons we pay extra are because trucks get blown up along the way,” Kise said. “The No. 1 priority in war time is making sure the company you hired can actually do the job.”
Sargeant insisted he served the government “because of patriotism. It’s part of being a patriot serving your country and not worrying about your wallet.”
An investigation by the Department of Defense into the allegations of fraud concluded that “no fraud vulnerabilities were identified.” IOTC eventually reached a settlement with DLA and was awarded a $40 million payment for fuel delivered while under contract.
Despite the allegations against IOTC, Sargeant seems to come out mostly unscathed and no less willing to take bold business risks. In late 2017, Sargeant flew to Venezuela to negotiate a partnership with Petroleos de Venezuela SA (PDVSA) for crude oil during a time when Venezuela was in Trump’s crosshairs. The deal fell through following U.S. sanctions on Venezuela.
Giving back
Sargeant has been active in local politics. He has served as a Republican party official in Florida and has made significant donations ($1.5 million in contributions) to Florida politicians and the state Republican Party.
