Trial Begins Over Secret Navy Silencer Contract

ALEXANDRIA, Va. (AP) -- A trial in Alexandria may answer questions about a secret military contract for hundreds of untraceable rifle silencers that prosecutors say amounted to theft of government funds.

The bench trial for Navy civilian worker Lee Hall began on Monday. A second defendant, race-car mechanic Mark Landersman of Temecula, Calif., goes on trial next week.

Prosecutors say Landersman was paid $1.7 million to build the silencers even though his costs were only $10,000. Hall allegedly helped push the contract through.

Court records indicate that at one point, members of the alleged conspiracy claimed the silencers were for Seal Team Six, which conducted the mission to kill Osama bin Laden.

Defense lawyers say the contract was legitimate, even if it was largely secret.

Trial