A retired Air Force master sergeant pleaded guilty Wednesday to federal conspiracy charges in connection with a scheme that defrauded the military of at least $37 million through inflated information technology contracts.

Alan Hayward James, 51, entered guilty pleas to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, bribery, and conspiracy to rig bids, according to the Department of Justice. The charges relate to his role in artificially inflating the cost of IT contracts for the Pacific Air Forces.

The scheme involved James working with co-conspirators to manipulate the bidding process for military contracts, allowing them to secure lucrative deals at inflated prices. The fraudulent activity targeted information technology contracts specifically within the Pacific Air Forces command structure.

James enriched himself and his co-conspirators through the bid-rigging operation, which prosecutors say cost the military at least $37 million in overpayments for contracted services. The case represents a significant breach of trust involving a senior enlisted service member who held a position of responsibility within the Air Force.

The guilty plea concludes James's involvement in the case, though details about sentencing and the status of any co-conspirators were not immediately available. The case was prosecuted by the Department of Justice as part of ongoing efforts to combat fraud targeting military procurement processes.