John Cockerham
John Cockerham
John Cockerham is an American army major currently in prison. He has been accused of bribery, money laundering and conspiracy.
Cockerham served as a military contracting officer, responsible for awarding contracts to supply supplies to the United States army on behalf of the Defense Department. Typically, he would take an order from a unit commander and solicit bids for supplies.
Early Life and Education
John Cockerham and his family had a difficult start in life. Despite hardworking parents, John did not complete high school. After attending local community college, he went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in accounting from University of Massachusetts Dartmouth.
He then worked as a bank examiner in New England, checking banks to ensure they adhered to federal regulations. Afterwards, he rose to become Senior Financial Officer with Rhode Island Hospital Trust National Bank.
He and his wife Patricia Blake, a teacher from Dallas, moved to Kuwait after Major Cockerham informed her that there would be more money there than teaching in Texas. According to court papers, the couple made at least two trips there as well as Dubai with their 7-year-old sons and 3-year-old daughter along for the ride.
Professional Career
He is a retired bank examiner who has been employed for over 30 years. Additionally, he is an accomplished early music artist, specializing in theorbo, lute and baroque guitar.
One of his favorite activities is traveling with his family. Additionally, he enjoys boxing and swimming.
John is a financial advisor in Raleigh, North Carolina with 17 years of industry expertise. He holds both a Series 63 and 65 licenses that allow him to act as both a securities agent and investment advisor representative.
He is a Wake Forest University alumnus who joined the Alumni Engagement team in 2019. His responsibilities include planning Pro Humanitate projects with alumni worldwide, coordinating 1834 Student Campaign events, WakeWelcomes celebrations and Local Lovefeasts – all driven by his passion for service.
Achievements and Honors
Cockerham was the first student from ECU to win the John Philip Couch Scholarship, awarded annually by the North Carolina chapter of the American Association of Teachers of French to aid French majors studying abroad in France.
Cockerham earned himself a bronze medal for his service as a B-17 gunner during World War II. His duties included maintaining bomb racks, repairing aerial gun sights, regulating flare racks and controlling chemical carrying release mechanisms.
He remained active in the military, serving in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. He earned numerous medals and honors such as the Bronze Star, Presidential Unit Citation and Republic of Vietnam Gallant Cross with Palm. A member of New Hope Baptist Church, Masonic Peninsula Lodge 46 and American Legion Post 591, he was decorated for his services to his country.
Personal Life
Major John Cockerham of Castor was arrested less than 24 hours after being accused of masterminding the largest bribery scheme against the military since the start of the Iraq war. Authorities allege he and his wife and sister used an elaborate network of offshore bank accounts and safe deposit boxes to conceal nearly $10 million worth of bribes they accepted from companies seeking military contracts.
He was found guilty of conspiracy, money laundering and bribery charges and sentenced to 210 months in prison.
The government claims Cockerham accepted bribes in exchange for awarding multimillion-dollar military contracts to companies, but his lawyer, Jimmy Parks, maintains his client lacked authority to act. As a senior contracting officer with less than 10 years’ experience in broad acquisition, Parks asserts his client lacked legal standing to take such action.
Net Worth
John Cockerham is estimated to have a net worth of $150K. He resides in Raynham, Massachusetts.
He serves as Executive Vice President and Chief Lending Officer for Community Corp, earning a total compensation of $500,613.
Gregory C. Cockerham joined Community Corp in 1989 and has over 35 years of banking experience.
In addition to his banking career, he is actively engaged in many civic and community endeavors. He is a Paul Harris Fellow and Foundation Chair for the Rotary Club of Charles County, as well as serving on numerous local boards.
He has extensive leadership experience as both a scout leader and United Way facilitator, having earned an associate degree in business management from Cape Cod Community College before receiving his bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. Furthermore, he holds the designations of Chartered Financial Consultant, Chartered Life Underwriter, and Certified Financial Services Auditor.