Judge dismisses felony convictions of 5 retired U.S. Navy officers in "Fat Leonard" bribery case

From article: “Prosecutors said in legal filings outlining their request for Tuesday's dismissals that the action does not mean the defendants did not commit the charged crimes but because information was withheld from the defense and other mistakes were made, they wanted to ensure justice was served fairly.”

The officers wrongfully accepted the bribes, but government wants to preemptively avoid likely successful appeal…or protect the status quo.