Reply U.S. District Judge Jesus Bernal scheduled a sentencing hearing for Oct. 4 at the federal courthouse in downtown Riverside. (Shutterstock) PALM DESERT, CA — A former Department of Defense project services manager from Palm Desert admitted taking money from contractors in connection with federal work overseas and is now facing up to 10 years in prison, authorities said Tuesday. Nizar Farhat, 63, pleaded guilty Monday to one count each of receiving an illegal gratuity and being a public official taking money from private parties for government work. U.S. District Judge Jesus Bernal scheduled a sentencing hearing for Oct. 4 at the federal courthouse in downtown Riverside.