GRANTS PASS, Ore. (AP) — Federal investigators say they have evidence an Oregon defense contractor sold phony replacement parts to the military that could cause attack helicopters to crash.
In affidavits filed in federal court in Eugene, U.S. Department of Defense investigators say they have evidence Coos Bay-based Kustom Products Inc. and related companies owned by Harold Bettencourt II sold fake replacement parts to the military.
The affidavits say the companies provided lock nuts meant for tanks and trucks in place of more expensive and differently designed lock nuts that secure the rotors on Kiowa attack helicopters.
The investigation is ongoing, and no charges have been filed.
A man answering the phone at Kustom Products said they had no comment on the investigation.
